Distribution of Particulate Matter in the Eastern Tropical North Atlantic observed by ARGO Floats

• Main Authors: Ohde, T., Fiedler, Björn, Körtzinger, Arne, Müller, K., Mendes, L.
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/12476/

The distribution of particulate matter (PM) was investigated on the basis of beam attenuation coefficients measured with two ARGO floats deployed in February 2008. Strong light attenuations in three water layers were recorded but no correlations to dust deposition were found. The observed distributions of surface PM were identified as chlorophyll-a filaments by satellite data. Their vertical thickness was between 30 and 50m and their offshore extension was up to 22.5°W. The subsurface maxima of PM in 30 to 80m depth correlated mainly with particle organic matter. They were identified in offshore areas between 20 and 26°W, and were approximately 40m thick. The subsurface maxima between 200 and 400m corresponded to findings of other authors and originated from resuspended shelf material which is transported offshore by filaments. They were temporal variable and relatively sharp localized. Their vertical thickness was up to 200m and their offshore extension was up to 26°W.