Abstract
To understand the biogeochemical response to internal waves in the deep basin of the northern South China Sea (NSCS), particulate organic carbon (POC) export fluxes were quantified for the first time during the passage of large internal waves using drifting sediment traps attached with hydrographic sensors. Results revealed large variations in temperature, nitrate and chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations during and after internal waves, suggesting that cold nutrient-replete waters may be brought to the euphotic zone in the dissipation zone during and after the passage of internal wave packets, resulted in phytoplankton flourished. Most importantly, POC export fluxes (110.9 ± 10.7 mg C mâ2 dâ1) were significantly enhanced after internal waves compared to non-internal wave area (32.6â73.0 mg C mâ2 dâ1) in the NSCS. Such elevated POC fluxes may be induced by downward flourished biogenic particles, particle aggregation or converged particles from mixed layer triggered by internal waves.
Highlights
In density-stratified ocean, lake, and atmosphere, distortions of density feel the restoring of gravity and propagating as internal waves
Previous results suggest that the NSCS produces particulate carbon and sinking particulate organic matter in the deep water of the northern South China Sea is predominately marine origin[21,22]
Hydrographic settings influenced by internal waves
Summary
In density-stratified ocean, lake, and atmosphere, distortions of density feel the restoring of gravity and propagating as internal waves. Large variations of time series temperature, salinity, and Chl a concentration were observed at stations K1 and K2 (Fig. 2).
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