Sedimentation of biogenic matter in the deep ocean
- 標題
- Sedimentation of biogenic matter in the deep ocean
- 作者
- Susumu Honjo, Steven J. Manganini, Jonathan J. Cole
- 文件屬性
- 國外期刊
- 知識分類
- 基礎研究
- 出版年
- 1982
- 刊名
- Deep Sea Research Part A. Oceanographic Research Papers
- 點閱數
- 2487
摘要
The major constituents of biogenic particles that settle through the water column of the ocean are carbonate tests, opaline shells, and particulate organic matter (cellular and amorphous). This paper describes the quality and quantity of such fluxes to the deep ocean and compares them with biogenic remains in the bottom sediment. Studies of samples collected during PARFLUX sediment trap experiments in the Atlantic and Pacific have shown that 60 to 90% of the total particulate flux is of biogenic origin; the contribution of biogenic materials decreases with increasing depth. Carbonate hard parts accounted for 30 to 60% and were the largest constituents in pelagic sediments at temperate and tropical areas. Combustible components ranged from 10 to 30% with zooplankton remains and fecal pellets accounting for the bulk of the organic flux. Amorphous fine particles were also significant in the organic flux. The atomic ratios of organic constituents in settling particles deviated systematically from the ‘Redfield ratio’ of 106:16:1 (C:N:P) for marine plankton. In the mesopelagic depths the ratio was 200:21:1, and in the bathypelagic depths the ratio was 300:33:1, with a wide range of variation in phosphorus.
The residence time of biogenic particles in the deep-ocean water columns is relatively short and the particles can be expected to arrive at the abyssal floor without major dissolution and remineralization (excepting small opal particles). Fine organic particles such as cell remains and pigmented granules are a major source of organic carbon and nitrogen at deep traps. Microscopic study suggests that the fine organic particles were once included in larger but loosely-formed particles that settled rapidly. Such particles dispersed from settling fecal pellets or similar particles are reintroduced into the water column resulting in ‘secondary’ suspended particles. Such particles may eventually be remineralized while in suspension. The decomposition rate of organic carbon in the deep water was estimated to be about 2.2 mg C m−2 day−1, a rate consistent with rates of oxygen consumption estimated by other investigators.
The bottom sediment is enriched in refractory lithogenic particles because of the remineralization of biogenic matter. A hypothetical benthic transition layer serves as a reservoir of benthic activity and can exist under certain conditions at the abyssal floor.
The residence time of biogenic particles in the deep-ocean water columns is relatively short and the particles can be expected to arrive at the abyssal floor without major dissolution and remineralization (excepting small opal particles). Fine organic particles such as cell remains and pigmented granules are a major source of organic carbon and nitrogen at deep traps. Microscopic study suggests that the fine organic particles were once included in larger but loosely-formed particles that settled rapidly. Such particles dispersed from settling fecal pellets or similar particles are reintroduced into the water column resulting in ‘secondary’ suspended particles. Such particles may eventually be remineralized while in suspension. The decomposition rate of organic carbon in the deep water was estimated to be about 2.2 mg C m−2 day−1, a rate consistent with rates of oxygen consumption estimated by other investigators.
The bottom sediment is enriched in refractory lithogenic particles because of the remineralization of biogenic matter. A hypothetical benthic transition layer serves as a reservoir of benthic activity and can exist under certain conditions at the abyssal floor.