Thorium isotopes as tracers of particles dynamics and deep water circulation in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (ANTARES IV)

Dissolved and particulate samples were collected to study the distribution of thorium isotopes (²³⁴Th, ²³²Th and ²³⁰Th) in the water column of the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (from 42°S to 47°S and from 60°E to 66°E, north of the Polar Front) during Austral summer 1999. Vertical profiles of excess ²³⁰Th (²³⁰Th_xs) increases linearly with depth in surface water (0–100 m) and a model was applied to estimate a residence time relative to the thorium scavenging (τ_scav). Low τ_scav in the Polar Front Zone (PFZ) are found, compared to those estimated in the Subtropical Front Zone (STZ). Changes in particle composition between the PFZ and STZ could influence the ²³⁰Th_xs scavenging efficiency and explain this difference. An innovative coupling between ²³⁴Th and ²³⁰Th_xs was then used to simultaneously constrain the settling velocities of small (0.6–60 μm) and large (above 60 μm) particles. Although the different hydrological and biogeochemical regimes visited during the ANTARES IV cruise did not explain the spatial variation of sinking velocity estimates, our results indicate that less particles may reach the seafloor north (60 ± 2 m d^− 1, station 8) than south of the Agulhas Return Current (119 ± 23 and 130 ± 5 m d^− 1 at stations 3 and 7, respectively). This information is essential for understanding particle transport and by extension, carbon export. In the deep water column, the ²³⁰Th_xs concentrations did not increase linearly with depth, probably due to lateral transport of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) from the Atlantic to the Indian sector, which renews the deep waters and decreases the ²³⁰Th_xs concentrations. A specific ²³⁰Th_xs transport model is applied in the deep water column and allows us to assess a “travel time” of NADW ranging from 2 to 15 years.     

A time-series study of particulate matter export in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre based on Th : U disequilibrium

Depth profiles of total ²³⁴Th (dissolved+particulate) were collected at Station ALOHA (22°45N, 158°00W) in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre during 9 cruises from April 1999 to March 2000. Samples were collected and processed by a new 2 L technique that enables more detailed depth resolution then previous ²³⁴Th studies. Significant zones of particle export (²³⁴Th deficiency) and particle remineralization (²³⁴Th excess) were measured both temporally and with depth. ²³⁴Th derived particulate carbon (PC) and nitrogen (PN) fluxes were determined with steady-state and non-steady-state models and PC/²³⁴Th and PN/²³⁴Th ratios measured with both in situ pumps and free-drifting particle interceptor traps deployed at 150 m. ²³⁴Th based export estimates of 4.0±2.3 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.53±0.19 mmol N m⁻² d⁻¹, were approximately 60% higher than those measured in PIT style sediment traps from the same time period, 2.4±0.2 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.32±0.08 mmol N m⁻² d⁻¹. Most of this difference is attributable to two large export events that occurred during October and December 1999, when traps undercollected for ²³⁴Th by a factor of 2 to 4. ²³⁴Th export (ThE) ratios based on ²³⁴Th derived PC flux/¹⁴C based primary production ranged from 4% to 22% (average=8.8%). Our results confirm the recent estimates of C export by Emerson et al. (Nature 389 (1997) 951) and Sonnerup et al. (Deep-Sea Research I 46 (1999) 777) and indicate that C export from the oligotrophic ocean must be considered when discussing C sequestration in global climate change.     

The influence of a mature cyclonic eddy on particle export in the lee of Hawaii

Mesoscale eddies may enhance primary production (PP) in the open ocean by bringing nutrient-rich deep waters into the euphotic zone, potentially leading to increased transport of particles to depth. This hypothesis remains controversial, however, due to a paucity of direct particle export measurements. In this study, we investigated particle dynamics using ²³⁴Th–²³⁸U disequilibria within a mesoscale cold-core eddy, Cyclone Opal, which formed in the lee of the Hawaiian Islands. ²³⁴Th samples were collected along two transects across Cyclone Opal as well as during a time-series within the eddy core during a decaying diatom bloom. Particulate carbon (PC), particulate nitrogen (PN) and biogenic silica (bSiO₂) fluxes at 150 m varied spatially and temporally within the eddy and strongly depended on the ²³⁴Th model formulation used (e.g., steady state versus non-steady state, inclusion of upwelling, etc.). Particle fluxes estimated from a steady state model assuming an upwelling rate of 2 m day⁻¹ yielded the best fit to sediment-trap data. These ²³⁴Th-derived particle fluxes ranged from 332±14 to 1719±53 μmol C m⁻² day⁻¹, 27±3 to 114±12 μmol N m⁻² day⁻¹, and 33±20 to 309±73 μmol Si m⁻² day⁻¹. Although PP rates within Cyclone Opal were elevated by a factor of 2–3, PC and PN fluxes were the same, within error, inside and outside of Cyclone Opal. The ratio of PC export to PP remained surprisingly low at <0.03 and similar to those measured in surrounding waters. In contrast, bSiO₂ fluxes within the eddy core were three times higher. Detailed analyses of ²³⁴Th depth profiles consistently showed excess ²³⁴Th at 100–175 m, associated with the remineralization and possible accumulation of suspended and dissolved organic matter from the surface. We suggest that strong microzooplankton grazing facilitated particulate organic matter recycling and resulted in the export of empty diatom frustules. Thus, while eddies may increase PP, they do not necessarily increase PC and PN export to deep waters. This may be a general characteristic of wind-driven cyclonic eddies of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre and suggests that eddies may preferentially act as a silica pump, thereby playing an important role in promoting silicic-acid limitation in the region.     

Recent sediments, sediment accumulation and carbon burial at Goban Spur, N.W. European Continental Margin (47–50°N)

To quantify recent sediment accumulation, carbon fluxes and cycling, three N.W. European Continental Margin transects on Goban Spur and Meriadzek Terrace were extensively studied by repeated box- and multicore sampling of bottom sediments. The recent sediment distribution and characteristics appear directly related to the near-bed hydrodynamic regime on the margin, which at the upper slope break on the Goban Spur results in along-slope and periodic off-slope directed transport of particles, possibly by entrainment of particles in a detached bottom or intermediate nepheloid layer. From the shelf to the abyssal plain the surface sediments on the Goban Spur change from terrigenous sandy shelf sediments into clayey silts. ²¹⁰Pb activity decreases exponentially down core, reaching a stable background value at 10 cm (shallower stations) to 5 cm (deeper stations) sediment depth. ²¹⁰Pb profiles of repeatedly sampled stations indicate negligible annual variability of mixing and flux. The ²¹⁰Pb_xs flux to the sediment shows a decreasing trend with increasing water depth. Below about 2000 m the average ²¹⁰Pb_xs flux is about 0.3 dpm cm⁻² y⁻¹, a third of the fluxes measured on the shelf and upper slope stations. Sediment mixing rates (D_b) correlate with macro- and meiofaunal density changes and are within the normal oceanic ranges. Lower mixing rates on the lower slope likely reflect lower organic carbon fluxes there. Mass accumulation rates on Meriadzek Terrace are at maximum 80 g m⁻² y⁻¹, almost twice as high as at Goban Spur stations of comparable depth. A minimum accumulation rate of 16.6 g m⁻² y⁻¹ is found at the Goban Spur upper slope break. Organic carbon burial rates are low compared to other margins and range from a lowest value of 0.05 g m⁻² y⁻¹ at the upper slope break to 0.11 g m⁻² y⁻¹ downslope. A maximum organic carbon burial rate of 0.41 g m⁻² y⁻¹ is found on Meriadzek Terrace. Carbonate burial rates increase along the northern transect from the shelf (13 g m⁻² y⁻¹) via a low (9.3 g m⁻² y⁻¹) on the upper slope break to the deep sea (30.7 g m⁻² y⁻¹). Carbonate burial is highest on Meriadzek Terrace (44.5 g m⁻² y⁻¹). The N.W. European Margin at Goban Spur and Meriadzek Terrace cannot be considered a major carbon depocenter.     

Compositions and transport of lipid biomarkers through the water column and surficial sediments of the equatorial Pacific Ocean

A systematic investigation of fluxes and compositions of lipids through the water column and into sediments was conducted along the U.S. JGOFS EgPac transect from l2°N to l5°S at 140°W. Fluxes of lipids out of the euphotic zone varied spatially and temporally, ranging from ≈0.20 – 0.6 mmol lipid-C m⁻² day⁻¹. Lipid fluxes were greatly attenuated with increasing water column depth, dropping to 0.002-0.06 mmol lipid-C m⁻² day⁻¹ in deep-water sediment traps. Sediment accumulation rates for lipids were ≈ 0.0002 – 0.00003 mmol lipid-C m⁻² day⁻¹. Lipids comprised ≈ 11–23% of C_org in net-plankton, 10–30% in particles exiting the euphotic zone, 2–4% particles in the deep EgPac, and 0.1-1 % in sediments. Lipids were, in general, selectively lost due to their greater reactivity relative to bulk organic matter toward biogeochemical degradation in the water column and sediment. Qualitative changes in lipid compositions through the water column and into sediments are consistent with the reactive nature of lipids. Fatty acids were the most labile compounds, with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) being quickly lost from particles. Branchedchain C₁₅ and C₁₇ fatty acids increased in relative abundance as particulate matter sank and was incorporated into the sediment, indicating inputs of organic matter from bacteria. Long-chain C₃₉ alkenones of marine origin and long-chain C₂₀-C₃₀ fatty acids, alcohols and hydrocarbons derived from land plants were selectively preserved in sediments. Compositional changes over time and space demonstrate the dynamic range of reactivities among individual biomarker compounds, and hence of organic matter as a whole. A thorough understanding of biogeochemical reprocessing of organic matter in the oceanic water column and sediments is, thus, essential for using the sediment record for reconstructing past oceanic environments.     

Particulate barium fluxes and export production in the northwestern Mediterranean

Biogenic barium, mostly in the barite (BaSO₄) form, has been proposed as a tracer for export production in the ocean. Here we report on biogenic barium (Ba_xs) and particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes from sediment traps deployed at the DYFAMED site in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Ba_xs fluxes display average values of 37 ± 45 and 50 ± 58 μg/m²/d at 200 and 1000 m respectively, and are linearly correlated to POC fluxes (mean values of 7.9 ± 9.3 and 6.8 ± 6.8 mg C/m²/d at 200 and 1000 m). Export production estimates, calculated using published Ba_xs- or POC-based algorithms, all fall below or close to the lower limit of potential export values proposed in the literature. This work clearly demonstrates the usefulness of Ba_xs as a tracer of oceanic export production in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea. However, development of a quantitative export production proxy requires a clear understanding of the underlying cause(s) for the observed spatial variations in the relationship between Ba_xs and POC fluxes. The present study confirms that the processes leading to barite formation differ between margin and open-ocean sites and probably account for much of the regional variability in the POC/Ba_xs ratio.     

N2O Production, Nitrification and Denitrification in an Estuarine Sediment

The mechanisms regulating N₂O production in an estuarine sediment (Tama Estuary, Japan) were studied by comparing the change in N₂O production with those in nitrification and denitrification using an experimental continuous-flow sediment–water system with¹⁵N tracer (¹⁵N-NO−3 addition). From Feburary to May, both nitrification and denitrification in the sediment increased (246 to 716 μmol N m⁻² h⁻¹and 214 to 1260 μmol N m⁻² h⁻¹, respectively), while benthic N₂O evolution decreased slightly (1560 to 1250 nmol N m⁻² h⁻¹). Apparent diffusion coefficients of inorganic nitrogen compounds and O₂at the sediment–water interface, calculated from the respective concentration gradients and benthic fluxes, were close to the molecular diffusion coefficients (0·68–2·0 times) in February. However, they increased to 8·8–52 times in May except for that of NO−2, suggesting that the enhanced NO−3 and O₂supply from the overlying water by benthic irrigation likely stimulated nitrification and denitrification. Since the progress of anoxic condition by the rise of temperature from February to May (9 to 16 °C) presumably accelerated N₂O production through nitrification, the observed decrease in sedimentary N₂O production seems to be attributed to the decrease in N₂O production/occurrence of its consumption by denitrification. In addition to the activities of both nitrification and denitrification, the change in N₂O metabolism during denitrification by the balance between total demand of the electron acceptor and supply of NO−3+NO−2 can be an important factor regulating N₂O production in nearshore sediments.     

Particle export within cyclonic Hawaiian lee eddies derived from Pb–Po disequilibrium

Particle export from the upper waters of the oligotrophic ocean may play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Mesoscale eddies have been hypothesized to inject new nutrients into oligotrophic surface waters, thereby increasing new production and particle export in otherwise nutrient deficient regimes. The E-Flux Program was a large multidisciplinary project designed to investigate the physical, biological and biogeochemical characteristics of cold-core cyclonic eddies that form in the lee of the Hawaiian Islands. There, we investigated particle dynamics using ²¹⁰Pb–²¹⁰Po disequilibrium. Seawater samples for ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po were collected both within (IN) and outside (OUT) of two cyclones, Noah and Opal, at different stages of their evolution as well as from the eddy generation region. Particulate carbon (PC), particulate nitrogen (PN) and biogenic silica (bSiO₂) export fluxes were determined using water-column PC, PN, and bSiO₂ inventories and the residence times of ²¹⁰Po. PC and PN fluxes at 150 m ranged from 1.58±0.10 to 1.71±0.16 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.22±0.02 to 0.30±0.02 mmol N m⁻² d⁻¹ within Cyclones Opal and Noah. PC and PN fluxes at OUT stations sampled during both cruises were of similar magnitudes, 1.69±0.16 to 1.67±0.16 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.30±0.03 to 0.26±0.03 mmol N m⁻² d⁻¹. The bSiO₂ fluxes within Cyclone Opal were 0.157±0.010 mmol Si m⁻² d⁻¹ versus 0.025±0.002 mmol Si m⁻² d⁻¹ at OUT stations. These results of minimal PC and PN export, but significant eddy-induced bSiO₂ fluxes, agree very well with other studies that used a variety of direct and indirect methods. Thus, our results suggest that using elemental inventories and residence times of ²¹⁰Po is another independent and robust method for determining particle export and should be investigated more fully.     

Accumulation rates and sources of sediments and organic carbon on the Palos Verdes shelf based on radioisotopic tracers (137Cs, 239,240Pu, 210Pb, 234Th, 238U and 14C)

We report here bioturbation and sediment accumulation rates determined from replicate sediment cores at four different sampling sites on the Palos Verdes shelf, Southern California, using bomb fallout and natural radionuclides (¹³⁷Cs, ^239,240Pu, ²¹⁰Pb, ²³⁴Th, and ¹⁴C), along with supporting measurements of organic carbon (OC), porosity and granulometry. Present-day particle reworking, on time scales of several months, is restricted to the upper 3 cm, with rates ranging from 13 to 200 cm²/year, as deduced from ²³⁴Th_xs profiles. There is little evidence that particle reworking reached depths significantly greater than 5 cm. Post-1963 (or post-1971) sediment accumulation rates ranged from 0.7 to 1.4 g/cm²/year (equivalent to 1.1–1.8 cm/year for surficial sediments), as calculated from Pu and Cs isotope profiles, with little change over time or distance from the outfall. Lateral transport of older sediment and multiple sediment sources on the Palos Verdes shelf is suggested from radiocarbon measurements on foraminifera and bulk sedimentary organic matter at two sampling sites, which showed variable, old and refractory sources of OC. Pre-1953 sediments accumulated at rates that were at least 0.4 g/cm²/year (≥0.3 cm/year), based on ²¹⁰Pb_xs dating. Given the abundance of sediment sources to the Palos Verdes shelf, the high sedimentation rates, and shallow particle mixed layers, contaminant-enriched layers should continue to move deeper into the sediments.     

Elemental mercury concentrations and formation rates in the Scheldt estuary and the North Sea

Concentrations of Hg⁰ in surface waters and atmosphere of the Scheldt estuary and the North Sea are presented and their relationship with biological processes is discussed. Hg⁰ concentrations in the Scheldt estuary range from 0.1 to 0.38 pmol·l⁻¹ in the winter and from 0.24 to 0.65 pmol·l⁻¹ in the summer and show a positive relationship with phytoplankton pigments. In the North Sea Hg⁰ concentrations range from 0.06 to 0.8 pmol·l⁻¹ and are higher in coastal stations. Transfer velocities across the air–sea interface were calculated using a classical shear turbulence model. Volatilization fluxes of Hg⁰ were calculated for the Scheldt estuary and the North Sea. For the Scheldt estuary the fluxes range from 226–284 pmol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ in winter and 500–701 pmol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ in summer and for the North Sea the fluxes range from 59–1110 pmol·m⁻²·d⁻¹ for an average windspeed of 8.1 m·s⁻¹. These fluxes are comparable to the wet and dry depositional fluxes to the North Sea. Hg⁰ formation rates necessary to balance the volatilization fluxes vary from 0.2 to 4% d⁻¹.     

Short-lived thorium isotopes (Th, Th) as indicators of POC export and particle cycling in the Ross Sea, Southern Ocean

Repeated measurements of depth profiles of ²³⁴Th (dissolved, 1–70 and >70 μm particulate) at three stations (Orca, Minke, Sei) in the Ross Sea have been used to estimate the export of Th and particulate organic carbon (POC) from the euphotic zone. Sampling was carried out on three JGOFS cruises covering the period from October 1996 (austral early spring) to April 1997 (austral fall). Deficiencies of ²³⁴Th relative to its parent ²³⁸U in the upper 100 m are small during the early spring cruise, increase to maximum values during the summer, and decrease over the course of the fall. Application of a non-steady-state model to the ²³⁴Th data shows that the flux of Th from the euphotic zone occurs principally during the summer cruise and in the interval between summer and fall. Station Minke in the southwestern Ross Sea appears to sustain significant ²³⁴Th removal for a longer period than is evident at Orca or Sei. Particulate ²³⁴Th activities and POC are greater in the 1–70 μm size fraction, except late in the summer cruise, when the >70 μm POC fraction exceeds that of the 1–70 μm fraction. The POC/²³⁴Th ratio in the >70 μm fraction exceeds that in the 1–70 μm fraction, likely due in part to the greater availability of surface sites for Th adsorption in the latter. Particulate ²³⁴Th fluxes are converted to POC fluxes by multiplying by the POC/²³⁴Th ratio of the >70 μm fraction (assumed to be representative of sinking particles). POC fluxes calculated from a steady-state Th scavenging model range from 7 to 91 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ during late January–early February, with the greatest flux observed at station Minke late in the cruise. Fluxes estimated with a non-steady-state Th model are 85 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ at Minke (1/13–2/1/97) and 50 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ at Orca (1/19–2/1/97). The decline in POC inventories (0–100 m) is most rapid in the southern Ross Sea during the austral summer cruise (Smith et al., 2000. The seasonal cycle of phytoplankton biomass and primary productivity in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Deep-Sea Research II 47, 3119–3140. Gardner et al., 2000. Seasonal patterns of water column particulate organic carbon and fluxes in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Deep-Sea Research II 47, 3423–3449), and the ²³⁴Th-derived POC fluxes indicate that the sinking flux of POC is 30–50% of the POC decrease, depending on whether steady-state or non-steady-state Th fluxes are used. Rate constants for particle POC aggregation and disaggregation rates are calculated at station Orca by coupling particulate ²³⁴Th data with ²²⁸Th data on the same samples. Late in the early spring cruise, as well as during the summer cruise, POC aggregation rates are highest in near-surface waters and decrease with depth. POC disaggregation rates during the same time generally increase to a maximum and are low at depth (>200 m). Subsurface aggregation rates increase to high values late in the summer, while disaggregation rates decrease. This trend helps explain higher values of POC in the >70 m fraction relative to the 1–70 m fraction late in the summer cruise. Increases in disaggregation rate below 100 m transfer POC from the large to small size fraction and may attenuate the flux of POC sinking out of the euphotic zone.     

Was a carbon balance measured in the equatorial Pacific during JGOFS?

The likelihood that the carbon fluxes measured as part of the US-JGOFS field program in the equatorial Pacific ocean (EgPac) during 1992 yielded a balanced carbon budget for the surface ocean was determined. The major carbon fluxes incorporated into a surface carbon budget were: new production, particulate organic carbon (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export, CaC0₃ export, C0₂ gas evasion, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) supply, and the time rate of charge. The ratio of the measured concentration gradients of DOC and DIC provided a constraint on the ratio of POC/DOC export. Uncertainties of ±30–50% for individual carbon flux measurements reduce the likelihood that a carbon balance can be measured during a JGOFS process-type study. As a benchmark, carbon fluxes were prescribed to yield a hypothetical surface carbon budget that was, on average, balanced. Given the typical errors in the individual carbon fluxes, however, there was only about a 30% chance that this hypothetical budget could be measured to be balanced to ±50%. Using this benchmark, it was determined that there was a 95 % chance that the carbon flux measurements yielded a surface DIC budget balanced (to ±50%) during El Nino conditions in boreal spring 1992, when the total organic carbon export rate was - 5 mmol C m-2 day- 1 and the POC export was 3 mmol C m⁻² day⁻¹. In boreal fall 1992, during cold period conditions, there was a 70% chance that the surface carbon DIC budget was balanced when the total organic carbon export rate was 20 mmol C m⁻² day⁻¹ and export was -13 mmol C m-2 day-'. The DOC to DIC concentration gradient ratio of - -0.15, measured in depth profiles down to 100m and in surface waters, was used as an important constraint that most (> 70%) of the organic carbon exported from the euphotic zone was POC rather than DOC. If a balanced surface DIC budget was used to test the compatibility of individual carbon fluxes measured during EgPac, then a three- to four-fold increase in total and particulate organic carbon export between spring and fall is indicated. This increase was not reflected in the POC loss rates measured by drifting sediment trap collections or estimated by²³⁴Th deficiencies coupled with the C/Th measured on suspended particles.     

The carbonic system distribution and fluxes in the NE Atlantic during Spring 1991

The potential of the North Atlantic as a sink for atmospheric CO₂ was investigated by studying the carbonic system using data obtained during the spring of 1991. The air-sea flux of CO₂ was related to chlorophyll and other environmental variables, and the regeneration of carbon in the mid-ocean studied by examining vertical sections representative of the study area.Poor correlations were found between pCO₂ and chlorophyll throughout much of the study area, although a good correlation was found along 16°W. The highest air-sea fluxes of CO₂ were calculated for areas where chlorophyll was highest (45°13′N, 16°04′W), and where the greatest wind speeds occurred (47°51′N, 28°18′W). The mean CO₂ flux from the atmosphere to the ocean during the study period (May) was calculated as 0.65mmol m⁻²d⁻¹, which compares well with other studies. Regression equations were developed to predict total inorganic carbon from nutrients; errors were typically less than 1 μmol kg⁻¹. Regeneration of carbon in the mid-ocean occurred in two principal stages: 0–1000m and>2300m. Regeneration in the upper zone was dominated by soft tissue carbon (86%), with skeletal carbon (calcite) contributing only 14%. The fraction of regenerated carbon of skeletal origin increased to 51% in the>2300m zone.     

Influence of Particle Mixing on Vertical Profiles of Chlorophyll a and Bacterial Biomass in Sediments of the German Bight, Oyster Ground and Dogger Bank (North Sea)

In May and September 1999 11 stations were sampled in the southern and central North Sea, located in the German Bight, eastern Oyster Ground and Dogger Bank. The study focused on the influence of particle mixing on transport of chlorophyll a to deeper sediment layers and vertical bacterial distribution (max. DEPTH=10 cm). The sampling stations were chosen to reflect a gradient in environmental conditions in the North Sea. The sampling stations differed in respect to redox potential (eH up to −243 mV in the German Bight and up to 274 mV in the offshore regions), silt content (up to 54% in the German Bight and 0·34% at the northern Dogger Bank) and different proportion of fresh organic material on total organic matter content (C/N ratios ranging from 9·27 in the German Bight up to 1·72 in the offshore sediments). Although bacterial densities (8·55×10⁹ g⁻¹in the German Bight up to 0·35×10⁹ g⁻¹in offshore sediments) were significantly correlated to chlorophyll a content in the sediment (P<0·01), inconsistencies in the temporal pattern of both variables in the surficial sediment layer suggested, that the dynamics of bacterial densities is generally controlled by food supply but also by other variables. The chlorophyll a content in the surficial sediments of the German Bight (up to 1·84 μg g⁻¹) was significantly higher than in the Oyster Ground (up to 0·58 μg g⁻¹) and the Dogger Bank area (up to 0·68 μg g⁻¹). With increasing chlorophyll a input to the benthic realm a subsequent enhanced burial of this compound into deeper sediment layers was expected either by biological (bioturbation) or by physical sediment mixing. However, the vertical profile of chlorophyll a decreased steeply in the sediments of the German Bight. Contrary, subsurface peaks were measured in the offshore areas. It was concluded from these results, that the vertical distribution of organic matter in sediments is less limited by the quantitative input from the water column but concomitant with particle mixing itself. The extent and possible mechanisms of particle mixing in the different study areas in relation to specific environmental factors is discussed.     

Nitrogen cycling in deep-sea sediments of the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, NE Atlantic

Rates of transformation, recycling and burial of nitrogen and their temporal and spatial variability were investigated in deep-sea sediments of the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (PAP), NE Atlantic during eight cruises from 1996 to 2000. Benthic fluxes of ammonium (NH₄) and nitrate (NO₃) were measured in situ using a benthic lander. Fluxes of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and denitrification rates were calculated from pore water profiles of DON and NO₃, respectively. Burial of nitrogen was calculated from down core profiles of nitrogen in the solid phase together with ¹⁴C-based sediment accumulation rates and dry bulk density. Average NH₄ and NO₃-effluxes were 7.4 ± 19 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹ (n = 7) and 52 ± 30 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹ (n = 14), respectively, during the period 1996–2000. During the same period, the DON-flux was 11 ± 5.6 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹ (n = 5) and the denitrification rate was 5.1 ± 3.0 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹ (n = 22). Temporal and spatial variations were only found in the benthic NO₃ fluxes. The average burial rate was 4.6 ± 0.9 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹. On average over the sampling period, the recycling efficiency of the PON input to the sediment was 94% and the burial efficiency hence 6%. The DON flux constituted 14% of the nitrogen recycled, and it was of similar magnitude as the sum of burial and denitrification. By assuming the PAP is representative of all deep-sea areas, rates of denitrification, burial and DON efflux were extrapolated to the total area of the deep-sea floor (>2000 m) and integrated values of denitrification and burial of 8 ± 5 and 7 ± 1 Tg N year⁻¹, respectively, were obtained. This value of total deep-sea sediment denitrification corresponds to 3–12% of the global ocean benthic denitrification. Burial in deep-sea sediments makes up at least 25% of the global ocean nitrogen burial. The integrated DON flux from the deep-sea floor is comparable in magnitude to a reported global riverine input of DON suggesting that deep-sea sediments constitute an important source of DON to the world ocean.     

210Pb sedimentation rates from the Northwestern Mediterranean margin

A total of 83 cores were collected in the Gulf of Lions continental margins and analysed for ²¹⁰Pb_xs (excess ²¹⁰Pb) in order to understand sedimentation patterns. Apparent sedimentation rates (ASR) range from 0.65 cm year⁻¹ in the vicinity of the Rhône River mouth to 0.01 cm year⁻¹ in the deep basin. Except for the prodelta area, rates decrease with depth linearly with the water depth. On the slope, ASR do not differ between canyons and open slope, except for the western area where the rates are slightly higher in the Lacaze–Duthiers canyon compared to its adjacent, open slope. In the canyon and open slope areas, mass accumulation rates determined from ²¹⁰Pb_xs profiles (0.10 and 0.08 g cm⁻² year⁻¹, respectively) are in good agreement with particulate fluxes calculated from 5 years of near-bottom sediment trap data, even when the trap particle fluxes and the apparent accumulation rates are overestimated in response to resuspension and bioturbation effects.However, differences in sediment trap data, between west and east portion of the slope, are not observed in the sedimentation rates calculated with ²¹⁰Pb_xs. The outer shelf area may have an important role in trapping sediment but it is not sufficiently documented. Sediment surface mixed layer depths decrease with water depth, with a mean value for the whole margin of 8±6 cm.²¹⁰Pb_xs inventories in the sediment are systematically higher than the net ²¹⁰Pb export flux estimated from the above water column. Over the margin, the ratio between accumulated ²¹⁰Pb and available ²¹⁰Pb is about 3, suggesting boundary scavenging effects and advective transport.     

Carbon flux in the northwest Mediterranean estimated from microbial production

Spring profiles of microbial production derived from the dark incorporation of tritiated leucine and tritiated thymidine in the northwest Mediterranean show an exponential decline with depth. Assuming this to represent a steady-state balance between microbial respiration and the downward flux of carbon, the downward flux is estimated as (1−/)p/b, where p is the microbial production, their gross growth efficiency and b the coefficient of exponential decline with depth. Summer profiles, ranging over about 3° of latitude and 4° of longitude, were well fitted by a two-component exponential decline, suggesting two distinct microbial substrates. Values of b for the more rapidly declining component varied between 0.01 and 0.06 m⁻¹ according to location. In the case of the slower component, b was estimated as 0.002 m⁻¹, and did not vary significantly over the region. Estimated fluxes of carbon at the surface are 123–335 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ for the fast and 95 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ for the slow component. Below about 200 m, carbon flux is dominated by the slow component. Flux estimates are compatible with flux estimates from sediment traps in the same region. The observed changes between the spring and summer profiles, combined with the horizontal homogeneity of the summer profiles below 200 m, are consistent with a downward transport of about 5–10 m d^–1, implying a significant dispersive component to the observed fluxes.     

Particle fluxes to the interior of the Southern Ocean in the Western Pacific sector along 170°W

An array of five bottom-tethered moorings with 19 PARFLUX time-series sediment trap at three depths (1 and 2 km below the surface, and 0.7 km above the sea-floor) was deployed in the western Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean, along 170°W. The five stations were selected to sample settling particles in the main hydrological zones of the Southern Ocean. The sampling period spanned 425 days (November 28, 1996–January 23, 1998) and was divided into 13 or 21 synchronized time intervals. A total of 174 sequential samples were recovered and analyzed to estimate fluxes of total mass (TMF), organic carbon, carbonate, biogenic silica, and lithogenic particles. The fluxes of biogenic material were higher than anticipated, challenging the notion that the Southern Ocean is a low-productivity region. Organic carbon fluxes at 1 km depth within the Polar Frontal Zone and the Antarctic Zone were relatively uniform (1.7–2.3 g m⁻² yr⁻¹), and about twice the estimated ocean-wide average (ca. 1 g m⁻² yr⁻¹). Carbonate fluxes were also high and uniform between the Subantarctic Front and ca. 64°S (11–13 g m⁻² yr⁻¹). A large fraction of the carbonate flux in the Antarctic Zone was due to the presence of pteropod shells. Coccoliths were found only to the north of the Polar Front, and calcium carbonate became the dominant phase in the Subantarctic Zone. In contrast, carbonate particles were nearly absent near 64°S. Latitudinal variations in biogenic silica fluxes were substantial. The large opal flux (57 g m⁻² yr⁻¹) measured in the Antarctic Zone suggests that opal productivity in this region has been previously underestimated and helps to explain the high sedimentary opal accumulation often found south of the Polar Front. Unlike biogenic material, fluxes of lithogenic particles were among the lowest measured in the open-ocean (0.12–0.05 g m⁻² yr⁻¹), reflecting a very low dust input.     

Detection of rapid deposition of sea ice-rafted material to the Arctic Ocean benthos using the cosmogenic tracer Be

During three icebreaker cruises in the Arctic Ocean under different sea-ice conditions in 2002, undisturbed benthic surface sediments were collected and assayed for the presence of a short-lived (t_1/2=53 d), particle-reactive cosmogenic radionuclide, ⁷Be, that is solely derived from atmospheric deposition. Under largely ice-covered conditions in May–June 2002, we did not detect this radionuclide in benthic surface sediments, despite significant inventories present in ice-rafted snow on the overlying sea ice (mean=86.8 Bq m⁻²±32.0 SD; n=9). During the July–August 2002 Shelf–Basin Interactions (SBI) cruise aboard the USCGC Healy and during a simultaneous cruise of the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier on the Bering and Chukchi Shelf, which occupied the same general region following retreat and dissolution of Arctic ice cover, the ⁷Be present in this snow as well as surface deposition on to the sea ice-free water surface was detected in many benthic surface sediments, including some as deep as 945 m in Barrow Canyon. Inventories of ⁷Be in sediments were as high (60 Bq m⁻²) as the entire decay-corrected inventory present earlier in some snow samples collected on the sea-ice cover. Other deposition indicators such as the inventories of sediment chlorophyll, sediment oxygen respiration rates and ²³⁴Th-derived export fluxes also showed post-ice melt particle deposition and vertical transport, but in most cases the ⁷Be deposition was not tightly correlated with these other indicators, suggesting that ⁷Be sedimentation may not be controlled by the same processes. Our observations indicate that materials in sea ice, including contaminants, particulate organic, and mineral matter originating from atmospheric deposition or entrained in continental shelf sediments and rafted onto sea ice, can be rapidly transported to depth. The re-distribution of these materials as sea-ice drifts and eventually melts has the potential for impacting Arctic Ocean biogeochemical cycles and contaminant concentrations in areas of the Arctic remote from the original point of deposition.