Numerical Simulation of phytoplankton productivity in partially mixed estuaries

A two-dimensional steady-state model of light-driven phytoplankton productivity and biomass in partially mixed estuaries has been developed. Effects of variations in river flow, suspended sediment concentration, phytoplankton sinking, self-shading and growth rates on distributions of phytoplankton biomass and productivity are investigated.Numerical simulation experiments show that biomass and productivity are particularly sensitive to variations in suspended sediment concentrations typical of natural river sources and to variations in loss rates assumed to be realistic but poorly known for real systems. Changes in the loss rate term within the range of empirical error (such as from dark bottle incubation experiments) cause phytoplankton biomass to change by a factor of two. In estuaries with adequate light penetration in the water column, it could be an advantage for phytoplankton to sink. Species that sink increase their concentration and form a phytoplankton maximum in a way similar to the formation of the estuarine turbidity maximum. When attenuation is severe, however, sinking species have more difficulty in maintaining their population.     

Sinking Particle Flux in the Subtropical Oligotrophic Northwestern Pacific from a Short-term Sediment Trap Experiment

Time-series sediment traps were deployed in the subtropical oligotrophic northwestern Pacific (SONP) at three depths from August to September 2015 to better understand vertical flux of sinking particles. Sinking particles were collected at 5-day intervals over the sediment trap deployment period. The average total mass flux at water depths of 400 m, 690 m, and 1,710 m was 9.1, 4.4, and 4.1 mg m^-2day^-1, respectively. CaCO₃ materials constituted 50 to 70% of sinking particles while in comparison particulate organic carbon (POC) constituted up to 20%. A synchronous variation of total mass flux was observed at the three depths, indicating that calcite-dominated particles sank from 400 to 1,710 m within a 5-day period. POC flux at these water depths was 2.4, 0.38, and 0.31 mg m^-2day^-1, respectively. Our results indicate low transfer efficiencies of 16% from 400 to 690 m and 13% for the 400 to 1,710 m depth range. The estimated transfer efficiencies were significantly lower than those observed at the K2 station in the northwest Pacific subarctic gyre, presumably because of a prevalence of pico-cyanobacteria in the SONP. Because cyanobacteria have a semi-permeable proteinaceous shell, they are more readily remineralized by bacteria than are siliceous phytoplankton in the northwest Pacific subarctic gyre. Continued surface water warming and expansion of the SONP will likely have a profound impact on ocean acidification in the northwest Pacific, possibly affecting the transfer efficiency of sinking POC to the deep-sea.     

Chemical studies on organic matter and carbon cycle in the ocean

Chemistry of organic materials of the suspended and sinking particles, and the evaluation of the particulate materials for the carbon cycle of the ocean are described in this paper. Organic carbon (POC) and nitrogen (PON) of the suspended particles collected from various areas of the North through South Pacific were determined with considerably high variabilities in their concentration. Higher values of the POC and PON were obtained in the surface water of the higher latitudinal areas of both northern and southern hemispheres and the equatorial Pacific, while the lower values of these organic elements were measured in the middle latitudinal areas of the Pacific. These facts clearly indicate that inorganic nutrients supply to the surface water layers from the underlying water is primarily determinative factor to govern the concentration of the POC and PON in the surface water layer. POC and PON concentrations in the intermediate through deep waters, however, are much less variable in time and space. Carbohydrates, free and combined amino acids and lipid materials were major organic constituents of the suspended particles. The organic composition of the particles was extensively variable in region, time and depth. Such change in the organic composition was mainly caused by the production and decay of the free and combined amino acids, lipid materials and water extractable carbohydrate. Sinking particle which has high sinking rate over 100 m day⁻¹ and can be collected only by sediment trap, also consists of carbohydrates, free and combined amino acids and lipid materials. A detailed analysis of the particle indicate that the sinking particle was much different from the suspended particle from the intermediate through deep waters in terms of the abundance of the biologically susceptible organic materials such as unsaturated hydrocarbon, fatty acid and water extractable carbohydrate often found in phytoplankton. These facts clearly indicate that the sinking particle plays an important role on the vertical transport of the biologically susceptible organic materials from the surface water to the deep water. Vertical flux of organic materials in various water depths was extensively measured in the North Pacific and Antarctic Ocean using the depth-series sediment trap system to collect the sinking particles from various depths of the waters. Regional and seasonal variabilities of the organic carbon flux at the various depths were obviously observed, however the attenuation rate of the organic carbon flux in the intermediate through deep water was not changed so much irrespective of the sampling time and region. The time-series sediment trap system was also using to determine the seasonal variation of the organic carbon flux. An average organic carbon flux at 1 km depth from this trap system was almost comparable to the amount of organic carbon degraded in the water deeper than 1 km depth, which was calculated from oxygen consumption rate of the deep water. Thus, it is clear that the sinking particle must play an important role in the carbon cycle of the deep water.     

Suspension Properties of Various Phyletic Groups of Phytoplankton and Tintinnids in an Oligotrophic, Subtropical System

Abstract. The sinking rate (ψ) characteristics of a natural community of phytoplankton in the size range from 5 to 102 μn were determined. The following trends in ψ were observed: coc-colithophorids > dinoflagellates > diatoms; large cells > small cells; attenuate shapes < other geometries; community i|) rate based on cell numbers > chlorophyll-based rate; arenaceous tintinnids > organic-loricate tintinnids. Dtnoflagellate swimming rates appear to be considerably greater than their sinking rates.     

Vertical Distribution of Phytoplankton in the Central and Northern Part of the Gulf of California (June 1982)

Abstract. Vertical profiles of temperature, nutrients (silicate, phosphate, and nitrate), chlorophyll a and phytoplankton abundance are given for six stations located in the Gulf of California, June 1982, above 1 % of light intensity. The vertical distribution of phytoplankton was related to the water column structure: stratified stations had a defined nutricline and subsurface chlorophyll and phytoplankton abundance maxima were present, which were found to be related to the depth of the principal thermocline; vertical distribution of taxa was not uniform and low affinity values (< 0.5) were calculated among depths at these stations. Despite the irregular vertical distribution of chlorophyll and cell number, there was a great affinity in the species composition throughout the euphotic zone at well-mixed or weakly stratified stations. Nanoplankton organisms, mainly coc-colithophorids, were the most important numerical contributors at the chlorophyll maxima, except when this was superficial, in which case diatoms were the most numerous group. Some patterns of the vertical distribution of the main phytoplankton groups ( e.g. , diatoms, dinoflagellates, and microflagellates) are shown. The spectrum of diversity in the water column was useful only for mixed-waters. The relationship between stability, nutrients, and phytoplankton - regarding their vertical distribution - and the importance of physical and biological processes on phytoplankton ecology are discussed.     

Cadmium and phosphorus cycling in the water column of the South China Sea: The roles of biotic and abiotic particles

The concentrations of cadmium, phosphorus, and aluminum in size-fractionated phytoplankton, zooplankton, and sinking particles are determined using ICPMS to evaluate the roles of biotic and abiotic particles on the cycling and ratios of Cd and P in the water column. Plankton were collected with a filtration apparatus equipped with 10-, 60-, and 150-μm aperture plankton nets on two occasions (2002 and 2006), and sinking particles were sampled by moored sediment traps deployed at depths of 120, 600, and 3500 m from 2004 to 2005. In contrast to what our previous study revealed, i.e., that most of the other bioactive trace metals in plankton were strongly correlated with abiotic Al and adsorbed on phytoplankton [Ho, T.Y., Wen, L.S., You, C.F., Lee, D.C., 2007. The trace metal composition of size-fractionated plankton in the South China Sea: biotic versus abiotic sources. Limnol Oceanogr 52, 1776–88.], Cd/P ratios, ranging from 0.12 to 0.34 mmol/mol P, did not vary with Al and exhibited fairly consistent values among different sizes of plankton, showing that Cd was mostly incorporated on an intracellular basis. In terms of the sinking particles, fluxes in Cd and P as well as in Cd/P ratios were strongly influenced by both biotic and abiotic particles. Overall, the Cd/P ratios in the sinking particles ranged from 0.03 to 1.2 mmol/mol, with the highest value observed in traps at 120 m during the productive season. The lowest value was observed in deep water during high flux periods for lithogenic particles. At surface depth, flux and Cd/P ratios were elevated during the most productive season in the region. The elevated ratios in the traps at 120 m were most likely related to preferential uptake of Cd for the dominant species (coccolithophores) during the productive period. Relatively, Cd/P ratios sharply decreased with increasing Al flux in deep water and ratios were much lower than the expected Cd/P ratios obtained from the relative portion of lithogenic and biogenic particles, indicating that the adsorption of soluble P into lithogenic particles was significant in the deep water during high lithogenic particle flux periods. Using averaged annual fluxes and standing stock in the water column, the residence time of biogenic Cd and P are 0.10 and 0.20, 250 and 100, and 9100 and 5000 years respectively in the top 120 m, 600 m, and water column as a whole, also showing preferential removal for Cd in the euphotic zone but relatively higher removal rates for P in the deep water. Our study suggests that the shift in microalgal community structure along with input of lithogenic minerals are both potentially important factors in influencing Cd/P ratios in oceanic water on a geological time scale.     

The onset of the Spring Bloom in the MEDOC area: mesoscale spatial variability

In the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, Coastal Zone Color Scanner images suggest that the eddies that participate in the restratification following deep convection interact with the spring phytoplankton bloom. The mechanisms for this interaction are studied using a biogeochemical model embedded in an eddy-resolving primitive equation ocean model. The model is initialized with a patch of dense water surrounded by a stratified ocean, which is characteristic of the winter situation. The atmospheric forcing is artificially held constant, in order to focus solely on the mesoscale variability. After a few days, meanders develop at the periphery of the patch, inducing its sinking and spreading. Mesoscale upward motions are responsible for the shoaling of the mixing layer in the trough of the meanders. As sunlight is the main factor regulating primary production at this time of year, this shoaling increases the mean exposure time of the phytoplankton cells and thus enhances productivity. Consequently, the majority of phytoplankton production is obtained at the edge of the patch, in agreement with in situ data. Through advection, phytoplankton is then subducted from these sources towards the crest of the meanders. Our results suggest that this mesoscale transport is responsible for a decorrelation between phytoplankton biomass and primary production.     

Copepod grazing during spring blooms: Can Pseudocalanus newmani induce trophic cascades?

During late winter and spring of 2002 and 2003, 24 two- to three-day cruises were conducted to Dabob Bay, Washington State, USA, to examine the grazing, egg production, and hatching success rates of adult female Calanus pacificus and Pseudocalanus newmani. Here, we discuss the results of our grazing experiments for P. newmani. Each week, we conducted traditional microzooplankton dilution experiments and “copepod dilution” experiments, each from two different layers. Grazing was measured by changes in chlorophyll concentration and direct cell counts. Clearance rates on individual prey species, as calculated by cell counts, showed that Pseudocalanus are highly selective in their feeding, and may have much higher grazing rates on individual taxa than calculated from bulk chlorophyll disappearance. The grazing rates of the copepods, however, are typically an order of magnitude lower than the grazing rates of the microzooplankton community, or the growth rates of the phytoplankton. P. newmani ingested diatoms, but, at certain times fed preferentially on microzooplankton, such as ciliates, tintinnids, and larger dinoflagellates. Removal of the microzooplankton may have released the other phytoplankton species from grazing pressure, allowing those species’ abundance to increase, which was measured as an apparent “negative” grazing on those phytoplankton species. The net result of grazing on some phytoplankton species, while simultaneously releasing others from grazing pressure resulted in bulk chlorophyll-derived estimates of grazing which were essentially zero or slightly negative; thus bulk chlorophyll disappearance is a poor indicator of copepod grazing. Whether copepods can significantly release phytoplankton from the grazing pressure by microzooplankton in situ, thus causing a trophic cascade, remains to be verified, but is suggested by our study.     

海洋短排列多道反射地震数据观测系统重定义与沉放深度校正

短排列多道反射地震接收缆较短,无水鸟、磁罗经、尾标等定位定深设备,给常规数据处理带来诸如观测系统定义等棘手问题;另外,无定深设备会造成接收缆不同接收段的沉放深度不同,破坏反射数据理论双曲线时距曲线关系。针对短排列多道反射地震数据,本文充分利用现场导航数据,计算实际激发点轨迹,再通过反距离比线性插值算法计算检波点的轨迹坐标,获得整个排列的实际观测系统参数。对因沉放深度不一致造成的扭曲时距曲线反射波,文中利用理论双曲线先计算共中心点道集的理论反射波位置,再推算排列中各接收道不同沉放深度处的静校正量,通过静校正拟合运算,消除接收排列非一致深度引起的反射波同相轴扭曲现象。将上述处理方法应用于南极海域短排列多道反射地震数据,最终获得了高分辨率叠加剖面,为后续地质解释提供了保障。     

Beneath the surface: Characteristics of oceanic ecosystems under weak mixing conditions – A theoretical investigation

This study considers an important biome in aquatic environments, the subsurface ecosystem that evolves under low mixing conditions, from a theoretical point of view. Employing a conceptual model that involves phytoplankton, a limiting nutrient and sinking detritus, we use a set of key characteristics (thickness, depth, biomass amplitude/productivity) to qualitatively and quantitatively describe subsurface biomass maximum layers (SBMLs) of phytoplankton. These SBMLs are defined by the existence of two community compensation depths in the water column, which confine the layer of net community production; their depth coincides with the upper nutricline. Analysing the results of a large ensemble of simulations with a one-dimensional numerical model, we explore the parameter dependencies to obtain fundamental steady-state relationships that connect primary production, mortality and grazing, remineralization, vertical diffusion and detrital sinking. As a main result, we find that we can distinguish between factors that determine the vertically integrated primary production and others that affect only depth and shape (thickness and biomass amplitude) of this subsurface production layer. A simple relationship is derived analytically, which can be used to estimate the steady-state primary productivity in the subsurface oligotrophic ocean. The fundamental nature of the results provides further insight into the dynamics of these “hidden” ecosystems and their role in marine nutrient cycling.     

2001/2002年夏季南极普里兹湾及其邻近海域的浮游植物

报道了 2 0 0 1 /2 0 0 2年夏季南极普里兹湾邻近海域 3 7个大面测站浮游植物的调查结果。经初步鉴定共有浮游植物 3门 3 7属 86种 ,其中硅藻在种类和细胞丰度上占绝对优势 ,其次为甲藻。主要优势种为克格伦拟脆杆藻 (Fragilariopsiskerguelensis)、细条伪菱形藻 (Pseu do nitzschialineola)、短拟脆杆藻 (Fragilariopsiscurta)和赖氏束盒藻 (Trichotoxonreinboldii)等南极特有种类和常见种类。调查区浮游植物分为两个群集 ,分布在 6 7°S以南的普里兹湾内的群集主要以克格伦拟脆杆藻、短拟脆杆藻、胡克星脐藻 (Asteromphalushookeri)和南极弯角藻 (Eu campiaantarctica)等南极特有种类和常见种类为主 ;分布在 6 7°S以北的大洋海域的群集主要以细条伪菱形藻、赖氏束盒藻、拟膨胀伪菱形藻 (Pseudo nitzschiaturgiduloides)和羽状环毛藻(Corethronpennatum)等南极常见种为主。调查区浮游植物的平均细胞丰度为 (8796± 2 92 85 )ind/L ,细胞多分布于海水的表层 ,密集区分布在 6 7°S以南的普里兹湾内 ,浮游植物的细胞丰度同硝酸盐的浓度密切相关。调查区浮游植物的多样性程度是低的。     

Vertical transport of organic materials in the northern North Pacific as determined by sediment trap experiment

Sediment traps were deployed at 5 depths of 100 through 5,250 m to collect suspended sediments in the northern North Pacific (47°51.1'N; 176°20.6'E, 5,300 m deep) in the summer of 1978. Fatty acid composition was determined in the samples of phytoplankton, particulate matter, trap sediment and bottom sediment.Fatty acid composition of the trap sediments revealed no significant vertical trend throughout the water column from depths of 100 to 5,250 m, and were also similar to those of the phytoplankton and the particulate matter from the euphotic layer. However, a marked difference in the fatty acid composition was observed between the trap sediments and the particulate matter from deep waters. Therefore, it can be concluded that the source of fatty acids in the trap sediments is the particulate matter from the euphotic layer but not from deep waters.Unsaturated fatty acids highly susceptible to biological agents were rather abundant in the trap sediments as well as in the phytoplankton and particulate matter from the euphotic layer, however no unsaturated fatty acid was found in the particulate matter from deep waters. From these findings, it is clear that the particulate matter of the euphotic layer is transported to deep waters very rapidly. As the sinking rate of fecal pellets produced by zooplankton is in the range of ten to hundreds of meters a day, fecal pellets are assumed to be the most likely carrier of rapid-transport of organic matter including fatty acids from the euphotic layer to deep waters.     

The balance between microzooplankton grazing and phytoplankton growth in a highly productive estuarine fjord

During 24, three-day cruises to Dabob Bay, Washington State, USA, from February 4 to April 26, 2002, and February 4 to May 1 2003, we examined the relative growth and grazing rates of phytoplankton and microzooplankton using dilution experiments. Experiments were conducted over two time intervals: 8–10 h during the nighttime only, or 24 h from noon to noon. We used water from two depths during each cruise: from the surface mixed layer, and from a deep layer below the seasonal thermocline. During 2002, there was one mid-sized bloom consisting mainly of Thalassiosira spp. in early February, and a larger bloom in April comprised of two Chaetoceros spp. and Phaeocystis sp. During 2003, there were also two blooms, one in early February, which was again dominated by Thalassiosira spp., and a second larger bloom in mid-April, comprised mainly of Thalassiosira spp. and Chaetoceros spp. During all four of these blooms, and for both water source depths, specific grazing rates of microzooplankton were most often as high or higher than the calculated phytoplankton specific growth rates. The major microzooplankton categories that could have accounted for this were (1) a large Gyrodinium spp., (2) a group of fusiform-shaped mid-sized Protoperidinium species, and (3) three loosely defined taxonomic groups consisting of naked ciliates, tintinnids, and unidentified heterotrophic dinoflagellates. Based on our measurements, it appears that the microzooplankton community grazing pressure can often exert significant control on phytoplankton biomass, even during the extremely productive spring bloom periods and under several different diatom-dominated bloom types. These results suggest that even in highly productive estuarine ecosystems, which are often nurseries to economically important fisheries species, microzooplankton play a critical role and may significantly alter the availability and efficiency of transfer of energy to higher trophic levels.     

Distribution of sterol and fatty alcohol biomarkers in particulate matter from the frontal structure of the Alboran Sea (S.W. Mediterranean Sea)

Sterol and fatty alcohol biomarkers were analyzed in suspended and sinking particles from the water column (20–300 m) of the Almeria–Oran frontal zone to characterize the biogenic sources and biogeochemical processes. Diatom- and haptophyte-related sterols were predominant at all sites and vertical distributions of sterol, and fatty alcohol biomarkers in sinking particles were markedly different from suspended particles. In contrast to the relatively fresh sinking particles with elevated concentrations of phyto- and zooplanktonic sterols, suspended particles were extensively degraded with increasing depth and exhibited a more terrestrial and zooplanktonic signature with depth.Sterol and alcohol biomarkers distributions and δ¹³C values from the jet core and the associated gyre of Atlantic waters showed a decoupling between the sinking particles of 100- and 300-m depth, demonstrating the influence of lateral advection in the frontal zone. In contrast, vertical transport of the particulate organic matter in Mediterranean waters was interpreted from the similar isotopic and molecular composition at both depths. The high abundance of phytosterols and phytol below the euphotic zone at 100 m signified that downwelling of biomass occurred on the downstream side of the gyre. The high concentrations of phytosterols and POC, in combination with the high phytosterols/phytol ratio, indicated the accumulation of detrital plant material in the oligotrophic Mediterranean waters near the frontal zone.A higher contribution of phytol in the sinking particles collected during the night at the surface of the jet and at the upstream side of the gyre provided evidence of diel vertical zooplankton migration and important grazing by herbivorous zooplankton.Carbon isotope ratios of sterols confirmed that the 24-ethylcholest-5-en-3β-ol, commonly associated with terrestrial sources, was a substantial constituent of the phytoplankton in this area. However, the more δ¹³C depleted values obtained for this compound in suspended particles suggested that there was some terrestrial contribution that only becomes evident after degradation of the more labile marine organic matter.     

Simulation studies of trophic flows and nutrient cycles in Benguela upwelling foodwebs

The traditional model of short, efficient food chains in upwelling regions is revised to incorporate microplanktonic processes and near-exclusive carnivory by anchovy. The new model is based on analyses of outputs of simulation models. These include a size-based micro/mesoplankton model of a Benguela upwelling community and a model of euphausiid grazing. On average, large-celled phytoplankton are responsible for only one-quarter to one-third of total primary production, the remainder occurring by cells <25 μm. Trophic transfers of carbon in the models take place chiefly via one or two steps, after which carbon is lost through respiration and the sinking of faecal material. Trophic efficiencies can be high, generally 40–50 per cent for the first transfer, 15–20 per cent for the second, and 5–10 per cent for remaining transfers. A first attempt is made at linking two models of processes occurring on different scales of time and space. Of the problems encountered, potentially the most difficult to overcome appears to be the manner in which feedbacks can be incorporated from the large to the small scale. C:N ratios of predator and prey are important in determining C:N ratios of faecal material. In a model of a euphausiid population, these ratios vary from 6 to 17 depending on whether animal or plant material respectively is being consumed. This is important in determining rates of carbon export from surface waters through sinking of faecal pellets. The effect of the mesoscale physical environment on plankton distributions and transport needs to be addressed through modelling studies, in order to link planktonic processes to macrozooplankton- and fish-feeding.     

Vertical flux of hydrocarbons as measured in sediment traps in the eastern North Pacific Ocean

Sediment trap experiments were conducted at three stations (Stn. 5 at 4750 m depth, 7 at 4330 m depth and 11 at 3880 m depth) in the California Current and its adjacent areas in the eastern North Pacific from December 1982 to January 1983 to collect sinking particles, which were analyzed for organic carbon and hydrocarbons.The vertical fluxes of organic carbon, total nitrogen and lipid carbon at any depth decreased in the following order: Stn. 5 > Stn. 11 > Stn. 7, the same trend as the standing stocks of chl. a at these station, which suggests that regional variation of organic matter flux is considerably influenced by the primary productivity in the surface water layer.Hydrocarbons of the sinking particles consisted of n-C₁₅–C₂₀ with a maximum of n-C₁₇, n-C₂₁–C₃₂, n-C_21:6 and three branched C₂₅ alkenes (br-C_25:3, br-C_25:3, and br-C_25:4), but any odd or even carbon number predominance in n-C₂₁–C₃₂ was not observed. n-C_21:6 and n-C₁₇ were the most abundant throughout the depths at Stn. 5, while only n-C₁₇ was a major component of the sinking particles from the intermediate layers, but not from the deep layers, at Stns. 7 and 11. Thus, there were clear regional and vertical variabilities of hydrocarbon composition in the sinking particles.The vertical flux of various hydrocarbons at the three stations tended to decrease exponentially with depth. The attenuation constants of the hydrocarbon fluxes were calculated by analysis of the relationship between the fluxes and depths. Half-depth of the flux calculated from the attenuation constant showed extensive variability for the hydrocarbon species and the location of the station. The values of the half-depths of n-C₁₇, Σn-C_15–20, n-C_21:6 and pristane were lower than those of Σn-C_21–32 and Σbr-C₂₅, indicating that hydrocarbons derived from phytoplankton are more susceptible to biological degradation than those from zooplankton.The half-depths of the hydrocarbon fluxes tended to increase as follows: Stn. 7 < Stn. 11 < Stn. 5. This trend was the same as the size of the sinking particles collected at these stations, which suggests that the sinking rate of the particles tends to increase in the order of Stns. 7, 11 and 5. Thus, these data indicate that the sinking rate of the particles is a primary factor in determining the hydrocarbon compositon of the particles in the intermediate and deep waters.     

Role of large particles in the transport of elements and organic compounds through the oceanic water column

During the past decade data from a variety of sources have been obtained which show conclusively that the relatively rare, large particles sinking through the water column are responsible for the majority of the downward vertical mass flux in the sea. This finding has important implications for understanding the transfer, distribution and fate of elements and organic compounds in marine waters. The “large” (> 100 μm) detrital particles responsible for vertical flux are primarily biogenic and range in size and composition from small, discrete fecal pellets and plankton hard parts to large, amorphous aggregates or “snow” which contain both organic and inorganic constituents. Depending on size, shape and density, these particles sink at rates ranging from <1 to >1000 m day⁻¹. Several methods have been developed for sampling these particles of which in situ sediment trapping has probably furnished the most comprehensive qualitative and quantitative information on the role large particles play in material transport. Flux studies have highlighted the importance of marine heterotrophs in packaging fine, suspended particulate matter into large rapidly sinking particles which accelerate the movement of incorporated materials to depth. Large particle production via biological packaging is not restricted to the euphotic zone but can occur at all depths and information is now accruing on rates of production of large particles in the water column. Chemical analyses of sedimenting particles collected in sediment traps and those sampled by other means have allowed quantifying vertical fluxes and residence times of elements, radionuclides and organic compounds (natural and anthropogenic) in various oceanic regimes. Pertinent studies dealing with the above aspects are reviewed and several areas for future research are suggested.     

Sinking of irregular shape blocks into marine seabed under wave-induced liquefaction

The sinking of initially buried irregular blocks into the seabed under wave-induced liquefaction was investigated by experimental methods. Pore-water pressure in the soil, water surface elevation time series and block displacements were measured. Results indicated that initiation of sinking coincides with the instant at which the accumulated pore-water pressure at the bottom level of the block reaches the initial mean normal effective stress. The drag forces and drag coefficients on steadily sinking irregular shaped blocks, as well as spherical and cubical ones, were calculated from the obtained data and compared with the available data in the literature. The results show that the shape of sinking block is of minor importance as far as the kinematics and dynamics of the sinking block is concerned. The conditions at which the sinking terminates are discussed in the light of experiments. Using the approach presented here, the ultimate sinking depths are calculated for the tested cases and compared with the experimental results. The calculated and measured values showed a reasonable agreement when compared. Finally a summary and remarks are presented to calculate the ultimate sinking depth of irregular shaped blocks for practical applications.     

海洋生物泵研究进展

海洋生物泵是以一系列海洋生物为介质将大气中的碳输运到海洋深层的过程,是海洋碳循环的重要组成部分以及未来的研究重点。本文系统地描述了海洋生物泵碳汇几个主要阶段:浮游植物沉降,浮游动物粪球颗粒沉降,透明胞外聚合颗粒物(TEP)沉降和海雪沉降以及碳酸盐反向泵过程。同时,本文对南海生物泵的研究进展进行简要介绍,服务于中国海碳循环。     

长江口邻近海域透明胞外聚合颗粒物浓度和沉降速率研究

透明胞外聚合颗粒物（Transparent exopolymer particles,TEPs）在海洋中分布广泛,其沉降被认为是海洋中生物碳沉降的途径之一。本研究于2011年春季和夏季调查了长江口邻近海域TEPs的浓度和沉降速率,并且估算了其碳沉降通量。研究发现,TEPs浓度春季介于40.00~1040.00 μg Xeq L^-1,平均值为209.70±240.93 μg Xeq L^-1;夏季介于56.67~1423.33 μg Xeq L^-1,平均值为433.33±393.02 μg Xeq L^-1。两个季节,TEPs在水华站位的浓度明显高于非水华站位。相关性分析表明,TEPs与水体叶绿素a浓度呈显著正相关性,表明在调查区浮游植物是TEPs的主要生产者。TEPs沉降速率在春季介于0.08~0.57 m d^-1,平均值为0.28±0.14 m d^-1;夏季介于0.10~1.08 m d^-1,平均值为0.34±0.31 m d^-1。经估算,TEPs碳沉降通量春季介于4.95~29.40 mg C m^-2 d^-1,平均值为14.66±8.83 mg C m^-2 d^-1;夏季介于6.80~30.45 mg C m^-2 d^-1,平均值为15.71±8.73 mg C m^-2 d^-1。TEPs的碳沉降通量可以占到浮游植物碳沉降通量的17.81%~138.27%。水华站位TEPs的碳沉降通量明显高于非水华站位,这是由于水华站位较高的TEPs浓度及沉降速率所致。本研究表明,TEPs的沉降在长江口邻近海域是碳沉降的有效途径,在相应的碳沉降相关研究中应该被考虑进来。