Role of Zooplankton in the Vertical Mass Flux in the Kara and Laptev Seas in Fall

Abstract

The role of zooplankton in the vertical mass flux in the Kara and Laptev seas was studied during cruise 63 of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in August–October 2015. Mass fluxes were estimated using sediment trap samples. The maximum values of the total vertical flux (19600 mg m⁻² day⁻¹) and particulate organic carbon (POC) flux (464 mg C m⁻² day⁻¹) were measured close to the Lena River Delta in the Laptev Sea. In the Kara Sea, the total flux (80–2700 mg m⁻² day⁻¹) and the POC flux (17–130 mg C m⁻² day⁻¹) were substantially higher than the estimates published earlier. The fecal pellet flux varied from 2 to 92 mg C m⁻² day⁻¹ and made up 4–190% of the total organic carbon flux. The mineral composition of fecal pellets largely mirrored that of suspended particulate matter. Clay minerals in the fecal pellets were more abundant than in particulate matter in the areas with noticeable freshwater impact. The flux of zooplankton carcasses varied from 0.1 to 66.4 mg C m⁻² day⁻¹ and made up 0.2–72% of total POC flux. The results are discussed in relation to the abundance and composition of zooplankton, the concentration and composition of suspended particulate matter, hydrophysical conditions, and methods of sample preparation for analysis.