Variability of export fluxes of sinking particles under the antarctic fast ice (1992-1994)

Abstract

Sediment trap experiments were done to investigate variability flux of sinking particles from eight stations under fast ice near Syowa Station, Antarctica, from January 1992 to January 1994. The fluxes in the shallow water column (≦ca. 50m) showed marked seasonality ranging from 0 ( d^ in winter 1993 to 2765 mgDW m^ d^ in summer 1993-1994. They were high in summer, low in winter and variable in the transitional season (spring and fall). The flux in the deep water column (>ca. 50m) not showed marked seasonality. The annual flux in 1993 (159gDW m^ y^) was larger than that in 1992 (25gDW m^ y^) in ≦ca. 50m. A marked variation in the flux among sampling stations was found during summer in 1992. The flux of zooplankton swimmers, which changed with season and depth, greatly contributed to the net flux (maximum 167%) under fast ice.