Time Series Particle Flux Measurements in the Sargasso Sea

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT OCE- 9986038 The export flux of carbon from the surface ocean to the oceanic interior is an important component of the global carbon cycle as it reflects the surface primary production of particulate organic matter and the environmental processes which affect this production. This project will allow the continuation of the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) which for the past 21 years has provided continuous particle flux measurements in the deep Sargasso Sea. This provides investigators the opportunity to observe inter-annual and seasonal variations in the production of surface particles, and in conjunction with the continuous oceanic time-series studies being carried out by the BATS site (Bermuda Time-Series), allows inferences to be drawn on how the ocean and its biota naturally respond to climate and environmental forcing variability.