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The Distribution of Particulate Organic Carbon in the Oceans: Ecological Implications
Author(s) -
Wangersky Peter J.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
internationale revue der gesamten hydrobiologie und hydrographie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 0020-9309
DOI - 10.1002/iroh.19780630416
Subject(s) - photic zone , environmental science , particulate organic carbon , zooplankton , particulates , water column , carbon fibers , oceanography , atmospheric sciences , ecology , phytoplankton , geology , biology , nutrient , materials science , composite number , composite material
Distribution of participate organic carbon (POC) in the oceans appears to be in the form of small “clouds” high in POC superimposed on lower background values typical of depth and water mass. The background values display an exponential decrease with depth. Samples taken at close intervals, both vertical and horizontal, suggest that the extent of these clouds in water below the photic zone must be less than a meter in any dimension. The concentration of POC in the clouds is of the same order as that found in surface waters. Feeding behaviour of the larger zooplankton may involve active searching for these patches; the organisms should be examined for evidences of mechanisms for finding patches. The maximum distance between patches, even in deeper water, must be of the order of a few tens of meters.