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Influence of a cyclonic eddy on microheterotroph biomass and carbon export in the lee of Hawaii
Author(s) -
Bidigare Robert R.,
BenitezNelson Claudia,
Leonard Carrie L.,
Quay Paul D.,
Parsons Michael L.,
Foley David G.,
Seki Michael P.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2002gl016393
Subject(s) - mesopelagic zone , oceanography , eddy , biomass (ecology) , environmental science , carbon fibers , subtropics , particulate organic carbon , abyssal zone , carbon cycle , atmospheric sciences , ecosystem , geology , pelagic zone , ecology , geography , turbulence , meteorology , phytoplankton , biology , nutrient , materials science , composite number , composite material
A multi‐platform sampling strategy was used to investigate carbon cycling in a cold‐core eddy that formed in the lee of Hawaii during September 2000. Microheterotroph biomass and 234 Th‐derived carbon export rates within the eddy were 2 to 3 times higher than those observed for adjacent waters. If this eddy is representative of other cyclonic eddies that are frequently formed in the lee of Hawaii, then eddy activity may significantly enhance the areal efficiency of the biological pump and facilitate the transfer of organic carbon to organisms inhabiting the mesopelagic and abyssal‐benthic zones of this subtropical ecosystem.