Vertical distribution of large particulate matter in the Western Mediterranean Sea

The relationship between mesoscale hydrodynamics and the distribution of large particulate matter (LPM, particles larger than 200 ?m) in the first 1000 m of the Western Mediterranean basin was studied with a microprocessor-driven CTD-video package, the Underwater Video Profiler (UVP). Observations made during the last decade showed that, in late spring and summer, LPM concentration was high in the coastal part of the Western Mediterranean basin at the shelf break and near the continental slope (computed maximum: 149 ?g C/l between 0 and 100 m near the Spanish coast of the Gibraltar Strait). LPM concentration decreased further offshore into the central Mediterranean Sea where, below 100 m, it remained uniformly low, ranging from 2 to 4 ?g C/l. However, a strong variability was observed in the different mesoscale structures such as the Almeria-Oran jet in the Alboran Sea or the Algerian eddies. LPM concentration was up to one order of magnitude higher in fronts and eddies than in the adjacent oligotrophic Mediterranean waters (i.e. 35 vs. 8 ?g C/l in the Alboran Sea or 16 vs. 3 ?g C/l in a small shear cyclonic eddy). Our observations suggest that LPM spatial heterogeneity generated by the upper layer mesoscale hydrodynamics extends into deeper layers. Consequently, the superficial mesoscale dynamics may significantly contribute to the biogeochemical cycling between the upper and meso-pelagic layers.

Chemical composition of particulate matter and element fluxes in the eastern Norwegian Sea, NS Komsomolets wreck site area

This paper reports results of a geochemical study of suspended particulate matter and particle fluxes in the Norwegian Sea above the Bear Island slope. Concentrations of suspended particles and the main components of suspended matter were determined in the euphotic, intermediate (clean water), and bottom nepheloid layers. It was shown that biogenic components are predominant in water above the nepheloid layer, whereas suspended matter of the nepheloid layer is formed by resuspension of lithogenic components of bottom sediments. Chemical compositions of suspended matter and material collected in sediment traps are identical.