DVM and C export- BATS 1

DVM and C export- BATS 1

This project is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary study, with seasonal sampling in contrasting high and low productivity regions to quantify the role of diel vertically migratory (DVM) -mediated flux on C export and sequestration. This proposal uses unique technologies to directly sample day vs nighttime gravitational fluxes below the euphotic zone (EZ) and deep scattering layer (DSL), while also sampling the flux, particles, and geochemical gradients in between. These will be compared to the vertical distributions of migrator and resident zooplankton, analyzed both with new in-situ optical instruments and traditional nets to calculate active C flux. By sampling the fluxes timed to the daily migrations and their layering, we will be able to directly quantify their contribution to fecal pellet production in the EZ, as well as to export below the DSL. Together, this represents a comprehensive state of the art study for quantifying the role of DVM in the biological carbon pump (both active and passive fluxes).