Effects of physical constraints on the lability of POM during summer in the Ross Sea

The 0-200 m surface layer of the Ross Sea was studied during summer 2014 to investigate the lability of the particulate organic matter (POM) in response to physical parameters. With the use of satellite information, we selected three zones, characterised by different physical setting: a northern off...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Marine Systems
Main Authors: Misic, Cristina, Covazzi Harriague, Anabella, Mangoni, Olga, Aulicino, Giuseppe, Castagno, Pasquale, Cotroneo, Yuri
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 2017
Subjects:
Antarctica
Biochemical composition
Particulate organic matter
Physical structure
Phytoplankton bioma
Ross Sea
Oceanography
Ecology
Evolution
Behavior and Systematic
Aquatic Science
Ross Ice Shelf
Terra Nova Bay
Antarc*
Ice Shelf
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/11367/64897
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2016.06.012
Description
Summary:The 0-200 m surface layer of the Ross Sea was studied during summer 2014 to investigate the lability of the particulate organic matter (POM) in response to physical parameters. With the use of satellite information, we selected three zones, characterised by different physical setting: a northern offshore area, crossing the summer-polynya area of the Ross Sea (hereafter called ROME 1), a more coastal area next to the Terra Nova Bay polynya (ROME 2); a southern offshore area, towards the Ross Ice Shelf (ROME 3). Ice-maps showed that the seasonal ice retreat had already occurred in early December for most of the stations. Statistical analysis of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the POM pointed to significant differences between the stations, especially in the upper mixed layer (UML). A comparison with previous studies showed that the localised pulses of POM accumulation in the UML were similar to those recorded at the highly productive marginal ice zones, providing notable trophic support to the ecosystem. The UML, although rather thin and easily subjected to alterations, confirmed its pivotal role in the ecosystem dynamics. A POM quality favourable to consumers was highlighted at several stations in ROME 1 and ROME 3. Reduced trophic support was, instead, found in ROME 2. Limited POM consumption where deep-water formation takes place would increase the POM role in the transfer of C to the depths.

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