Abstract
Basin-scale carbon recycling estimates were obtained by combining high-resolution data on zooplankton taxonomic and functional composition with species-specific respiration rates. Datasets were collected in the Atlantic and Indian sectors of the Southern Ocean during four cruises covering spring, mid-summer, autumn and late winter between 1993 and 1998. Carbon recycling by Antarctic meso- and macrozooplankton represented a significant (44 – 62%) fraction of the primary production, which is at the higher end of previous estimates. Assessment based on detailed community structure appeared to be more realistic than previous estimates and showed that carbon dioxide recycling at the global scale is not a mere function of temperature and abundance of zooplankton. Both species and functional diversity influence current estimates at the community level through trophic type and developmental stage composition. In addition, a regional spatial heterogeneity linked to hydrodynamic features (frontal zones) is also important. The Southern Ocean zooplankton community respiration is assessed to be 0.6 GtC year 21 .
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
