Carbon sequestration and zooplankton lunar cycles: Could we be missing a major component of the biological pump?

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2010.55.6.2503
• Publication Date: 2010-10-08T01:02:36Z
• Authors: Santiago Hernά,nd...; Gara Franchy; Marta Moyano; Inmaculada Menéndez; Claire Schmoker; Sébastien Putzeys
• Keywords: Mesopelagic zone; Diel vertical migration; Bloom; Biological pump

The plankton outburst during the so‐called late winter bloom in subtropical waters was studied relation to lunar illumination Canary Island waters. Nutrient enrichment by mixing and dust deposition promoted a of phyto‐ zooplankton. Mesozooplankton biomass increased as progressed but peaked every full moon decreased thereafter because effect predation interzonal diel vertical migrants (DVMs). pattern similar one described lakes due fishes confirms that this phenomenon is important sea. estimated consumption subsequent transport epipelagic zooplankton DVMs after on order mean gravitational export an unaccounted flux carbon mesopelagic zone may play pivotal role efficiency biological pump.