CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Caron, G.; Michel, C.; and Gosselin, M.
Date : 2005.
Title : Sedimentation of organic matter in the North Water (northern Baffin Bay): phytoplankton and fecal pellets contribution to the carbon flux.
Publication : 39th Annual Congress: Sea to Sky . Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society. May 31 - June 3, 2005. Vancouver, British Columbia.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
The sedimentation of organic matter in the North Water area was assessed during June-July 1998 and August-September 1999. The material collected under the euphotic zone by free-drifting short-term particle interceptor traps was analyzed for particulate organic carbon (POC) and cells contents (diatoms and fecal pellets). The maximum sedimentation of matter was observed in June. During that month, diatom cells and fecal pellets contributed 50 and 4% of the total POC sinking flux, while they made up ca. 10 % and 30-50% during the following months. These results indicate that the dominant pathway of carbon cycling changed from export in spring to retention afterwards, which was favoured by low sinking velocities. Over the whole sampling period, 35% of the POC phytoplankton production was exported through sinking while 65% remained in the euphotic zone. The POC produced in the euphotic zone was thus mainly transferred to pelagic grazers rather than being exported to the benthic community.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology