Sedimentation of particulate organic matter and silicium during spring and summer in Lindaspollene, Western Norway

Abstract

sedimentation of organic and inorganic matter at 18,38,70 and 85 m between March and October. rates of sedimentation were higher during spring, with two peaks in sedimentation following the blooms. About the half of the biomass formed sedimented out of the euphotic zone. sedimenting material during summer mainly originates from the deeper part of the euphotic zone containing a chlorophyll maximum layer. Decreasing sedimentation flux of organic material with depth below the euphotic zone, and concommitant decrease in the N/C ratio and decrease in the P/C ratio, are interpreted to reflect substantial mineralisation and associated microbial growth on the sinking material