Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS12 To Sink or Not to Sink: The Role of Zooplankton for Export and Retention of Fecal Pellets and Aggregates (Environmental Connections)

Date: Friday, February 16, 2001, Time: 10:45:00 AM

Location: Aztec

Jackson, G, A, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, gjackson@tamu.edu

INCORPORATING JOINT ALGAL AND FECAL PELLET AGGREGATION AND RESULTING FLUX FROM THE SURFACE MIXED LAYER

Models of vertical particle flux have focused on the role of aggregation or of fecal pellets but not both together. This is important because the higher density of fecal pellets can increase the sinking speed of algal aggregates. The model whose result are shown here combines the Fasham et al plankton model with a coagulation model and allows fecal pellets to aggregate with the algae. The results suggest that these interactions are important and that aggregates resulting from them dominate the particle flux. While this enhancement can be seen in the oligotrophic conditions of the Sargasso Sea, it is particularly large in the North Atlantic.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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