Role of slowly settling particles in the ocean carbon cycle
Alonso-González, Iván, J. (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Facultad de Ciencias del Mar)
Arístegui, Javier (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Facultad de Ciencias del Mar)
Lee, Cindy (State University of New York. School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences)
Sánchez-Vidal, Anna (Universitat de Barcelona. Grup de Recerca Consolidat en Geociències Marines)
Calafat Frau, Antoni (Universitat de Barcelona. Grup de Recerca Consolidat en Geociències Marines)
Fabrés, Joan (UNEP/GRID--Arendal)
Sangrá, Pablo (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Facultad de Ciencias del Mar)
Masqué Barri, Pere (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Física)

Date:	2010
Abstract:	Here we present results from sediment traps that separate particles as a function of their settling velocity, which were moored in the Canary Current region over a 1. 5-year period. This study represents the longest time series using "in situ" particle settling velocity traps to date and are unique in providing year-round estimates. We find that, at least during half of the year in subtropical waters (the largest ocean domain), more than 60% of total particulate organic carbon is contained in slowly settling particles (0. 7-11 m d⁻¹). Analyses of organic biomarkers reveal that these particles have the same degradation state, or are even fresher than rapidly sinking particles. Thus, if slowly settling particles dominate the exportable carbon pool, most organic matter would be respired in surface waters, acting as a biological source of CO₂ susceptible to exchange with the atmosphere. In the context of climate change, if the predicted changes in phytoplankton community structure occur, slowly settling particles would be favored, affecting the strength of the biological pump in the ocean.
Grants:	Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia CTM2004-06842-C03-03/MAR
Rights:	Tots els drets reservats.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Biological pump ; Ocean carbon cycle ; Settling particles
Published in:	Geophysical research letters, Vol. 37, Issue 13 (July 2010) , ISSN 0094-8276

DOI: 10.1029/2010GL043827

5 p, 220.7 KB

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