Flux Of Particulate Organic Matter Research Articles

Assessment of the spatial variability in particulate organic matter and mineral sinking fluxes in the ocean interior: Implications for the ballast hypothesis

Multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) applied to sediment trap data has been highly influential in identifying a plausible ‘ballasting’ mechanism that directly links the settling fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) to those of denser, inorganic minerals. However, analysis to date has primarily been carried out at the global scale, missing spatial variability in the flux relationships that may be important. In this paper, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is applied to an updated deep (>1500 m) sediment trap database (n = 156), using the MLRA approach of Klaas and Archer (2002) but now allowing the carrying coefficients to vary in space. While the global mean carrying coefficient values for CaCO3, opal, and lithogenics are broadly consistent with previous work, the GWR analysis reveals the existence of substantial and statistically significant spatial variability in all three carrying coefficients. In particular, the absence of a strong globally uniform relationship between CaCO3and POC in our spatial analysis calls into question whether a simple ballasting mechanism exists. Instead, the existence of coherent spatial patterns in carrying coefficients, which are reminiscent of biogeochemical provinces, points toward differences in specific pelagic ecosystem characteristics as being the likely underlying cause of the flux relationships sampled by sediment traps. Our findings present a challenge to ocean carbon cycle modelers who to date have applied a single statistical global relationship in their carbon flux parameterizations when considering mineral ballasting, and provide a further clue as to how the efficiency of the biological pump in the modern ocean is regulated.

Abundance, Composition and Sinking Rates of Fish Fecal Pellets in the Santa Barbara Channel

Rapidly sinking fecal pellets are an important component of the vertical flux of particulate organic matter (POM) from the surface to the ocean's interior; however, few studies have examined the role fish play in this export. We determined abundance, size, prey composition, particulate organic carbon/nitrogen (POC/PON), and sinking rates of fecal pellets produced by a forage fish, likely the northern anchovy, in the Santa Barbara Channel. Pellet abundance ranged from 0.1–5.9 pellets m−3. POC and PON contents averaged 21.7 µg C pellet−1 and 2.7 µg N pellet−1. The sinking rate averaged 787 m d−1; thus pellets produced at the surface would reach the benthos (~500 m) in <1 day. Estimated downward flux of fish fecal POC reached a maximum of 251 mg C m−2 d−1. This is equal to or exceeds previous measurements of sediment trap POM flux, and thus may transport significant amounts of repackaged surface material to depth.

Mesozooplankton dynamics in relation to food availability during spring and early summer in a high latitude glaciated fjord (Kongsfjorden), with focus on Calanus

The timing of zooplankton reproduction in relation to spring pelagic bloom is essential in determining grazers' recruitment success and the transport of biomass through the system. At high latitudes marine ecosystems are characterized by extreme seasonality with the production of autotrophes concentrated during the spring. In two consecutive years we studied mesozooplankton during spring and early summer in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (79°N), aiming at identifying the main grazers and understanding what affects the timing in zooplankton. The main grazers were females and nauplii of holoplanktonic Calanus, together with meroplanktonic Cirripedia nauplii and Polychaeta larvae. The appearing of offspring and larvae showed a correlation with the spring bloom which occurred earlier in 2004 compared to 2003. The Arctic Calanus glacialis reproduced before its Atlantic counterpart Calanus finmarchicus and prior to the bloom. In the Arctic regions decreasing sea ice cover as a result of climate change is expected to alter the timing of the spring bloom which in turn will pose a need for the zooplankton to adjust their reproduction activities. Subsequently, this adjustment will influence ecosystem functioning mainly by modifying particulate organic matter and energy fluxes.

Reflections About Chance in My Career, and on the Top-Down Regulated World

Paraphrasing Pasteur, in scientific work Fortuna favors only the prepared mind. This is illustrated by my career after an incidental escape from the former German East Prussia just ahead of the Red Army, my switch in Kiel from zoology to oceanography, and my learning of a vacancy in Seattle. Treated here are the accidental discovery of upwelling during the southwest monsoon along India's west coast, studies of benthic polychaetous annelids in the Oregonian zoogeographic province, the discovery of phytoplankton blooms and an absence of upwelling during the northeast monsoon in the northern Arabian Sea, and an ocean-wide description of the seasonality of satellite-derived chlorophyll. My admonition is that grazing rather than cell division rate regulates the abundance and size composition of phytoplankton and affects the dynamics of the understudied zooplankton. I end with a pessimistic view about predicting the vertical flux of particulate organic matter from the euphotic layer with an accuracy useful for deep-sea carbon budgets.

Particulate organic matter fluxes and hydrodynamics at the Tisler cold-water coral reef

Cold-water coral reefs occur in many regions of the world's oceans. Fundamental questions regarding their functioning remain unanswered. These include the biogeochemical influence of reefs on their environment (“reef effects”) and the influence of hydrodynamic processes on reef nutrition. In a succession of field campaigns in 2007 and 2008, these questions were addressed at the Tisler cold-water coral reef, which is centered on a sill peak in the Norwegian Skagerrak. A variety of methodological approaches were used. These consisted of the collection of CTD and chlorophyll profiles, current measurements, sampling of particulate organic matter (POM) in the benthic boundary layer (BBL) across the reef with subsequent chemical analyses, and the chemical analysis of freshly released Lophelia pertusa mucus. CTD and chlorophyll profiles indicated that downstream of the sill crest, downwelling delivered warmer, fresher and chlorophyll richer water masses down to the BBL. Both sides of the reef received downwelling nutrition delivery, as flow direction over the reef reversed periodically. Several chemical composition indicators revealed that suspended POM was significantly fresher on the downstream side of the reef than on the upstream side. L. pertusa mucus from the Tisler Reef was labile in composition, as indicated by a low C/N ratio and a high amino acid degradation index (DI) value. Particulate organic carbon (POC) content in the BBL was significantly depleted across the reef. Lateral depositional fluxes were calculated to be 18–1485 mg POC m −2 d −1, with a mean of 459 mg POC m −2 d −1. We propose that the combination of fresh, downwelling POM with mucus released from the reef was the cause of the greater lability of the downstream POM. Our data on POC depletion across the reef suggest that cold-water coral reefs could play an important role in carbon cycling along continental margins.

Disentangling the effect of viruses and nanoflagellates on prokaryotes in bathypelagic waters of the Mediterranean Sea

Bathypelagic ecosystems depend on prokaryotic heterotrophic biomass fuelled by vertical particulate organic matter (POM) fluxes, but very little information is available on the interactions among viruses, prokaryotes and nanoflagellates in deep waters. We simultaneously investigated the relative importance of the viral and heterotrophic nanoflagellate (HNF) grazing-induced prokaryotic mortality in bathypelagic waters by means of dilution experiments performed on samples collected at 1500 m depth from the Atlantic Ocean to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Prokaryotic abundance (range: 1.4 to 8.9 × 104 cells ml–1), although different from one station to another, was on average not significantly different among biogeographic regions. The potential predators of prokaryotes (viruses, HNF and microzooplankton) followed a similar spatial pattern. Viruses were responsible for an important fraction of prokaryotic mortality (on average 13.4% d–1). Dilution experiments carried out to estimate the potential predation of HNF suggested a high effect on prokaryotic abundance. However, since the latter experiments also include the effect of viruses on prokaryotes, when this factor was disentangled from the overall mortality, the potential rates of HNF predation on prokaryotes (on average 49.5%) were ca. 4 times higher than the effect due to viral infections. Conversely to patterns of distribution, the relative importance of virus-mediated mortality vs. HNF predation changed significantly among different regions. Results should be treated with caution due to the intrinsic difficulty in reproducing experimentally natural deep-sea conditions, but they permit disentangling of the relative effect of viruses and HNF on prokaryotes and compare the potential predatory control in different biogeographic regions.

Seasonal variability of the particulate organic matter vertical flux in the central region of the Gulf of California

Seasonal variability of particulate organic matter (POM) fluxes and the amount exported from the upper 200 m of the water column was studied during four oceanographic cruises in Guaymas Basin during autumn 1994 and spring, summer, and autumn 1995. We used an array of drifting sediment traps to measure the particulate fluxes at 50, 100, and 200 m depths in the upper water column. The mean depths of the mixed layer varied from 20.8 m in summer 1995 to 29.6 m in spring 1995, and of the euphotic zone from 33.2 m in spring 1995 to 51.6 m in summer 1995. Mean phytoplankton biomass ranged from 36.9 mg Chla m–2 in autumn 1995 to 85.9 mg Chla m–2 in spring 1995. Higher POM fluxes occurred during autumn 1994 and spring 1995, while lower fluxes occurred during summer and autumn 1995. The percentage of daily primary productivity exported from the upper 200 m of the water column varied from 3.6% to 8.9% and is within the range reported for other regions. The C:N ratios were homogeneous, regardless of depth, and varied from 9.0 to 13.8. The particulate organic carbon residence time varied from 3.7 to 11.2 d, and was higher in summer and lower in autumn. Consequently, benthonic heterotrophic organisms get their food from seasonal pulses. The total exported carbon for the area was estimated to be about 300 × 103 t yr–1, which suggests that during summer, this region acts as a carbon sink; however, more data are needed to understand the yearly balance.

Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfide budgets in the Black Sea: A biogeochemical model of the whole water column coupling the oxic and anoxic parts

Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfide budgets are derived for the Black Sea water column from a coupled physical–biogeochemical model. The model is applied in the deep part of the sea and simulates processes over the whole water column including the anoxic layer that extends from ≃ 115 m to the bottom ( ≃ 2000 m). The biogeochemical model involves a refined representation of the Black Sea foodweb from bacteria to gelatinous carnivores. It includes notably a series of biogeochemical processes typical for oxygen deficient conditions with, for instance, bacterial respiration using different types of oxidants (i.e denitrification, sulfate reduction), the lower efficiency of detritus degradation, the ANAMMOX (ANaerobic AMMonium OXidation) process and the occurrence of particular redox reactions. The model has been calibrated and validated against all available data gathered in the Black Sea TU Ocean Base and this exercise is described in Gregoire et al. (2008). In the present paper, we focus on the biogeochemical flows produced by the model and we compare model estimations with the measurements performed during the R.V. KNORR expedition conducted in the Black Sea from April to July 1988 ( Murray and the Black Sea Knorr Expedition, 1991). Model estimations of hydrogen sulfide oxidation, metal sulfide precipitation, hydrogen sulfide formation in the sediments and water column, export flux to the anoxic layer and to the sediments, denitrification, primary and bacterial production are in the range of field observations. With a simulated Gross Primary Production (GPP) of 7.9 mol C m −2 year −1 and a Community Respiration (CR) of 6.3 mol C m −2 year −1, the system is net autotrophic with a Net Community Production (NCP) of 1.6 mol C m −2 year −1. This NCP corresponds to 20% of the GPP and is exported to the anoxic layer. In order to model Particulate Organic Matter (POM) fluxes to the bottom and hydrogen sulfide profiles in agreement with in situ observations, we have to consider that the degradation of POM in anoxic conditions is less efficient that in oxygenated waters as it has often been observed (see discussion in Hedges et al., 1999). The vertical POM profile produced by the model can be fitted to the classic power function describing the oceanic carbon rate ( C R = Z − α ) using an attenuation coefficient α of 0.36 which is the value proposed for another anoxic environment (i.e. the Mexico Margin) by Devol and Hartnett (2001). Due to the lower efficiency of detritus degradation in anoxic conditions and to the aggregation of particles that enhanced the sinking, an important part of the export to the anoxic layer (i.e. 33%, 0.52 mol C m −2 year −1) escapes remineralization in the water column and reaches the sediments. Therefore, sediments are active sites of sulfide production contributing to 26% of the total sulfide production. In the upper layer, the oxygen dynamics is mainly governed by photosynthesis and respiration processes as well as by air–sea exchanges. ≃ 71% of the oxygen produced by phytoplankton (photosynthesis+nitrate reduction) is lost through respiration, ≃ 21% by outgasing to the atmosphere, ≃ 5% through nitrification and only ≃ 2% in the oxidation of reduced components (e.g. Mn 2+, Fe 2+, H 2S). The model estimates the amount of nitrogen lost through denitrification at 307 mmol N m −2 year −1 that can be partitioned into a loss of ≃ 55% through the use of nitrate for the oxidation of detritus in low oxygen conditions, ≃ 40% in the ANAMMOX process and the remaining ≃ 5% in the oxidation of reduced substances by nitrate. In agreement with data analysis performed on long time series collected since the 1960s ( Konovalov and Murray, 2001), the sulfide and nitrogen budgets established for the anoxic layer are not balanced in response to the enhanced particle fluxes induced by eutrophication: the NH 4 and H 2S concentrations increase.

Regional and temporal variability of sinking organic matter in the subtropical northeast Atlantic Ocean: a biomarker diagnosis

Abstract. Sinking particles through the pelagic ocean have been traditionally considered the most important vehicle by which the biological pump sequesters carbon in the ocean interior. Nevertheless, regional scale variability in particle flux is a major outstanding issue in oceanography. Here, we have studied the regional and temporal variability of total particulate organic matter fluxes, as well as chloropigment and total hydrolyzed amino acid (THAA) compositions and fluxes in the Canary Current region, between 20–30° N, during two contrasting periods: August 2006, characterized by warm and stratified waters, but also intense winds which enhanced eddy development south of the Canary Islands, and February 2007, characterized by colder waters, less stratification and higher productivity. We found that the eddy-field generated south of the Canary Islands enhanced by &gt;2 times particulate organic carbon (POC) export with respect to stations (FF; far-field) outside the eddy-field influence. We also observed flux increases of one order of magnitude in chloropigment and 2 times in THAA in the eddy-field relative to FF stations. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was performed to assess changes in particulate organic matter composition between stations. At eddy-field stations, higher chlorophyll enrichment reflected "fresher" material, while at FF stations a higher proportion of pheophytin indicated greater degradation due to microbes and microzooplankton. PCA also suggests that phytoplankton community structure, particularly the dominance of diatoms versus carbonate-rich plankton, is the major factor influencing the POC export within the eddy field. In February, POC export fluxes were the highest ever reported for this area, reaching values of ~15 mmol C m−2 d−1 at 200 m depth. Compositional changes in pigments and THAA indicate that the source of sinking particles varies zonally and meridionally and suggest that sinking particles were more degraded at near-coastal stations relative to open ocean stations.

Modelling aggregate formation and sedimentation of organic and mineral particles

A one-dimensional model “ADAM” is presented that allows the prognostic computation of the interactions between mineral particles (dust) and biologically formed aggregates. The model couples a 7-compartment biogeochemical component (NO 3, NH 4, phytoplankton aggregates, zooplankton, detritus, carbon, and chlorophyll) and a 4-compartment component for the tracing of mineral particles: single free particles in the water, particles aggregated with phytoplankton, incorporated in zooplankton, and attached to detritus. It resolves both annual and daily cycles of plankton and the fate of dust from eolian import into the ocean via biological activity, aggregation and disaggregation to sedimentation at the sea floor. The model results suggest that particle scavenging is essentially occurring in the mixed layer, where biological activity and shear aggregation regulate the formation of the aggregates. The aggregates interact intensively with the suspended pool of dust particles, and sink through the upper main thermocline with increasing speed. Particle break up and organic matter degradation are important mechanisms for particle cycling in the intermediate and deeper layers. The model predicts an 80% decrease of the annual carbon flux between 100 m and 3000 m depth. The vertical profile of Al-contents in suspended particulates and the annual average vertical flux of particulate organic matter are fairly well reproduced by the model, as well as the seasonal cycles of carbon and dust fluxes in the ocean interior.

Sedimentation of acantharian cysts in the Iceland Basin: Strontium as a ballast for deep ocean particle flux, and implications for acantharian reproductive strategies

Acantharian cysts were discovered in sediment trap samples from spring 2007 at 2000 m in the Iceland Basin. Although these single‐celled organisms contribute to particulate organic matter flux in the upper mesopelagic, their contribution to bathypelagic particle flux has previously been found negligible. Four time‐series sediment traps were deployed and all collected acantharian cysts, which are reproductive structures. Across all traps, cysts contributed on average 3–22%, and 4–24% of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON) flux, respectively, during three separate collection intervals (the maximum contribution in any one trap was 48% for POC and 59% for PON). Strontium (Sr) flux during these 6 weeks reached 3 mg m−2 d−1. The acantharian celestite (SrSO4) skeleton clearly does not always dissolve in the mesopelagic as often thought, and their cysts can contribute significantly to particle flux at bathypelagic depths during specific flux events. Their large size (~ 1 mm) and mineral ballast result in a sinking rate of ~ 500 m d−1; hence, they reach the bathypelagic before dissolving. Our findings are consistent with a vertical profile of salinity‐normalized Sr concentration in the Iceland Basin, which shows a maximum at 1700 m. Profiles of salinity‐normalized Sr concentration in the subarctic Pacific reach maxima at ≤ 1500 m, suggesting that Acantharia might contribute to the bathypelagic particle flux there as well. We hypothesize that Acantharia at high latitudes use rapid, deep sedimentation of reproductive cysts during phytoplankton blooms so that juveniles can exploit the large quantity of organic matter that sinks rapidly to the deep sea following a bloom.

Sedimentation of acantharian cysts in the Iceland Basin: Strontium as a ballast for deep ocean particle flux, and implications for acantharian reproductive strategies

Acantharian cysts were discovered in sediment trap samples from spring 2007 at 2000 m in the Iceland Basin. Although these single-celled organisms contribute to particulate organic matter flux in the upper mesopelagic, their contribution to bathypelagic particle flux has previously been found negligible. Four time-series sediment traps were deployed and all collected acantharian cysts, which are reproductive structures. Across all traps, cysts contributed on average 3–22%, and 4–24% of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON) flux, respectively, during three separate collection intervals (the maximum contribution in any one trap was 48% for POC and 59% for PON). Strontium (Sr) flux during these 6 weeks reached 3 mg m−2 d−1. The acantharian celestite (SrSO4) skeleton clearly does not always dissolve in the mesopelagic as often thought, and their cysts can contribute significantly to particle flux at bathypelagic depths during specific flux events. Their large size (~ 1 mm) and mineral ballast result in a sinking rate of ~ 500 m d−1; hence, they reach the bathypelagic before dissolving. Our findings are consistent with a vertical profile of salinity-normalized Sr concentration in the Iceland Basin, which shows a maximum at 1700 m. Profiles of salinity-normalized Sr concentration in the subarctic Pacific reach maxima at ≤ 1500 m, suggesting that Acantharia might contribute to the bathypelagic particle flux there as well. We hypothesize that Acantharia at high latitudes use rapid, deep sedimentation of reproductive cysts during phytoplankton blooms so that juveniles can exploit the large quantity of organic matter that sinks rapidly to the deep sea following a bloom.

Do tributaries affect loads and fluxes of particulate organic matter, inorganic sediment and wood? Patterns in an upland river basin in south-eastern Australia

Tributary junctions are points in river networks where there can be an influx of organic matter and inorganic sediment. Addition of materials at tributary junctions is likely to alter food availability and habitat for aquatic organisms. We surveyed junctions of upland cobble-bed streams (stream orders 1–4, 2.2–10.8 m wide) in the Acheron River catchment (or watershed) in Victoria, Australia, to determine whether tributaries were an important source of suspended particulate matter, and whether benthic organic matter and coarse wood density increased at tributary junctions. We conducted measurements in high (austral spring 2005) and low flows (austral summer 2006) seasons. There were no systematic patterns in concentrations of suspended particulate matter with respect to positions within confluences (tributaries, upstream mainstem, downstream mainstem and confluence). However, total exports of suspended particulate matter in high-flow appeared to be the summation of exports from the upstream mainstem and the tributary in an approximate ratio of 2:1. In low flow, the 2:1 ratio was similar but the downstream mainstem value was similar to the upstream mainstem value (i.e., no clear summation). The fraction of organic matter in the suspended particulate matter did not depend on position within the junction, but was about 19% higher in the low-flow season. Tributaries had lower amounts of benthic organic matter than any measured positions in the mainstem, which themselves were indistinguishable. However, benthic organic matter was positively related to discharge ratio (tributary:mainstem), which may indicate that smaller, upriver junctions, which tended to have higher discharge ratios, were associated with higher standing crops of benthic organic matter. The distribution of coarse wood (logs and branches ≥10 cm diameter) was asystematic with respect to position in the junction. Overall, tributaries had little effect in these junctions, with the most evident effect being an increase of about one-third in exports of suspended particulate matter when flows are high.

Composition and fluxes of particulate organic matter in a temperate estuary (Winyah Bay, South Carolina, USA) under contrasting physical forcings

To understand the role that physical processes play on the biogeochemical cycles of estuaries, we conducted intense field studies of the turbidity maximum region within a partially mixed estuary (Winyah Bay, SC, USA) under contrasting conditions of river discharge, tides and wind. Water samples and hydrographic data were collected at different depths and locations along the main channel over several tidal cycles during several cruises to Winyah Bay. Tidal variations in current speed, salinity, total suspended solid concentrations were measured within each cruise and were consistent with estuarine circulation processes. Salinity and total suspended solid concentrations ranged from 0 to 32 and from 20 to over 500 mg L −1, respectively, with the highest salinity and total suspended solid values measured during periods of low river discharge. In fact, comparison of tidally averaged salinity and total suspended solid concentrations revealed marked differences among cruises that were negatively correlated to river discharge and SW wind speed. Moreover, significant contrasts in the chemical compositions of suspended particles were evident among periods of contrasting river discharge and wind regime. For example, the weight percent organic carbon content of suspended particles ranged from 1 to over 6% and displayed a positive correlation with river discharge. Similarly, both the molar carbon to nitrogen ratios (10 to 20 mol:mol) and stable carbon isotopic compositions (−25 to −29%) of the suspended organic matter varied significantly as a function of discharge and wind. Such trends indicate that in Winyah Bay low river discharge and steady SW winds promote resuspension of bed sediments from shallow regions of the estuary. These materials contain highly altered organic matter and their incorporation into the water column leads to the observed trends in suspended particle concentrations and compositions. Furthermore, these conditions result in net landward fluxes of salt, sediment and particulate organic matter throughout most of the water column, promoting efficient trapping of materials within the estuary. Our results illustrate the fundamental connection between physical forcings, such as discharge and wind, sediment transport processes and the cycling of biogeochemical materials in estuarine environments.

Export and remineralization of POM in the Southern Ocean and the South China Sea estimated from 210Po/210Pb disequilibria

Disequilibria between 210Po and 210Pb in the upper water and their potential applications as a proxy of particle export and remineralization were examined in the Southern Ocean (station IV3) and the South China Sea (NS44). 210Po was deficit in surface waters but excessive relative to 210Pb in subsurface waters. Good positive correlation between 210Po and particulate organic carbon (POC) indicated deficits and excess of 210Po resulted from particulate organic matter (POM) export and remineralization respectively, which was also supported by the decreased δ13C and increased δ15N downwards as a result of particle remineralization. On the basis of 210Po/210Pb box-model, POC export flux out of the surface waters were 1.2 mmol C · m−2 · d−1 and 2.3 mmol C · m−2 · d−1 for station NS44 and IV3, respectively. In the subsurface waters, remineralization fluxes of 210Po were 0.062 Bq · m−2 · d−1 and 0.566 Bq · m−2 · d−1 for station NS44 and IV3 along with the recycle efficiency of 52±26% and 119±52%, respectively. Remineralized fluxes of POM derived from 210Po and exported POC were 0.6 mmol C · m−2 · d−1 and 2.7 mmol C · m−2 · d−1 for NS44 and IV3. This study suggested that 210Po was a powerful tracer of particle export and remineralization.

Crystal ball – 2009

Crystal ball – 2009

Controls on the seasonal and interannual dynamics of organic matter stable carbon isotopes in mesotrophic Lake Holzmaar, Germany

We investigated the particulate organic matter (POM) flux and its stable carbon isotope composition in response to changes in phytoplankton primary production and abiotic environmental affects in mesotrophic Lake Holzmaar. POM fluxes were determined by sediment traps emptied biweekly from 1995 to 2004. Water chemical measurements and meteorological observations were done concurrently. POM fluxes within and directly below the lake’s epilimnion were relatively low during winter (<0.5 g m-2 d−1) and increased to 1.0–1.5 g m-2 d−1 during summer months because of enlarged phytoplankton production. In contrast, in the lake’s hypolimnion a much higher POM flux was observed during winter as result of resuspension of particulate material from the lake’s bottom. C:N (weight, total organic carbon : total nitrogen) ratios of settling organic matter vary around 8 at all three depths, indicating a predominant phytoplankton origin of POM. The annual epilimnic POM flux correlates with the epilimnic phosphate concentration early in the seasonal cycle, indicating that the supply of phosphate is the major control on the amount of algal biomass. A recurrent annual oscillation of the stable carbon isotope composition of POM with low δ13C values during winter and more positive values during summer is interpreted as the result of phytoplankton primary production. A close δ13CPOM-POM flux relationship was observed, testifying to the primary dependence of d13CPOM on lacustrine primary production. Contrary to POM flux, the epilimnic δ13CPOM signal is transferred to the lakes bottom notwithstanding sediment resuspension and microbial alteration. Our results demonstrate that sedimentary stable carbon isotopes are a valuable proxy for lacustrine paleo-productivity in Lake Holzmaar.

Particulate organic matter and ballast fluxes measured using time-series and settling velocity sediment traps in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea

Abstract Prompted by recent data analyses suggesting that the flux of particulate organic carbon sinking into deep waters is determined by fluxes of mineral ballasts, we undertook a study of the relationships among organic matter (OM), calcium carbonate, opal, lithogenic material, and excess aluminum fluxes as part of the MedFlux project. We measured fluxes of particulate components during Spring and Summer of 2003, and Spring of 2005, using a swimmer-excluding sediment trap design capable of measuring fluxes both in a time-series (TS) mode and in a configuration for obtaining particle settling velocity (SV) profiles. On the basis of these studies, we suggest that distinct OM–ballast associations observed in particles sinking at a depth of ∼200 m imply that the mechanistic basis of the organic matter–ballast association is set in the upper water column above the Twilight Zone, and that the importance of different ballast types follows the seasonal succession of phytoplankton. As in other studies, carbonate appears to enhance the flux of organic matter over opal. Particles must be at least half organic matter before their settling velocity is affected by ballast concentration. This lack of change in ballast composition with SV in particles with

DOWNCORE DISTRIBUTION OF LIVING CALCAREOUS FORAMINIFERA AND STABLE ISOTOPES IN THE WESTERN BARENTS SEA

The density and vertical distribution of living calcareous foraminifera have been studied in six box cores from the shelf depressions in the Western Barents Sea in relation to total organic carbon content and flux to the seafloor, primary production, sedimentation rates, bottom-water masses and stable isotopes. It appears that at least several infaunal species—like Melonis barleeanus , Islandiella norcrossi and perhaps Nonionellina labradorica , Cribroelphidium excavatum clavatum and Cassidulina reniforme —might penetrate down to 8–10 cm below the sediment surface searching for a favorable microhabitat. A deep penetration of some living specimens, notably epifaunal Cibicides lobatulus , into the sediment might result from bioturbation and survival inside polychaete tubes. The highest foraminiferal abundances (up to 130–240 sp/50 cm3) of the six cores were found in the most productive areas on the West Spitsbergen shelf and in the mouth of the Isfjorden (Svalbard) and likely resulted from fast sedimentation and mass accumulation rates of marine organic matter. These factors seemed to be responsible for deeper penetration and habitat depth of the above-mentioned species on the shelf as compared to the northern Barents Sea continental slope. However, the abundance of living calcareous foraminifera on the slope was much higher than in our study, probably due to a greater flux of particulate organic matter produced during the seasonal phytoplankton bloom along the ice-edge margin. In general, more depleted δ18O values (of unstained foraminifera) are found in the box cores obtained beneath pure Atlantic water compared to those beneath cooler bottom water. Estimated δ18O disequilibrium effects for Nonionellina labradorica (0.28‰), Cibicides lobatulus (−0.76‰) and Melonis barleeanus (−0.41‰) support previous findings for these species.

The residence time of an active versus a passive tracer in the Gulf of Aqaba: A box model approach

A simple box model of the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, was used in order to study the effects of large scale processes in the Gulf and Red Sea (e.g. changes in thermohaline circulation or heat input from the Red Sea) as well as the influence of human activities (e.g. tourism, urbanization and mariculture) on the nutrient budget of the Gulf. The model employs available data from the literature together with General Circulation Model output data for monthly average temperature and salinity in the upper 200 m of the northern Red Sea, and monthly average meteorological data from the northern Gulf of Aqaba for heat flux and evaporation calculations. The model was shown to be most sensitive to changes in the thermohaline flux of Red Sea water through the Tiran Strait. Simulations of temperature and salinity best agreed with measurements when an annually varying thermohaline flux (0.045 Sv in January and 0.005 Sv in July) with decoupling of the thermohaline flow from the intermediate boxes during the summer (April–October) was employed. Additionally, periodic decrease of heat input from the Red Sea associated with regional weather patterns caused prolonged vertical mixing periods during the winters and shortening the residence time of phosphate in the Gulf. Hence, warming of Red Sea water would result in shorter periods of vertical mixing in the Gulf during the winter and accumulation of phosphate in the deep reservoir. The increase in deep reservoir phosphate can also be caused by an increase in the export flux of particulate organic matter to the deep reservoir. Hence, even a small increase in net primary production perhaps resulting from external nutrient input to the Gulf will result in nutrient accumulation in the deep reservoir. According to our model a return to pre-perturbation levels of phosphate in the Gulf would take on the order of 10 2 years.