Time series of in-situ particle properties and sediment trap fluxes in the coastal upwelling filament off Cape Blanc, Mauritania

摘要: Abstract We compared particle data from a moored video camera system with sediment trap derived fluxes at ∼1100 m depth in the highly dynamic coastal upwelling off Cape Blanc, Mauritania. Between spring 2008 and winter 2010 collected settling particles 9-day intervals, while recorded in-situ abundance size-distribution every third day. Particle were variable (40–1200 mg m−2 d−1) followed distinct seasonal patterns peaks during spring, summer fall. The flux traps correlated to total volume captured by camera, which ranged from1 22 mm3 l−1. measured increase periods of high mass appeared be better related increases concentrations, rather than increased average size. observed events that had similar fluxes, but showed clear differences size-distribution, vice versa. Such observations can only explained shifts composition material, changes both density chemical composition. For example, input wind-blown dust Sahara September 2009 led formation numbers comparably small water column. This suggests that, besides changes, marine one region underlies episodical changes. time between appearance concentrations atmosphere lithogenic 1100 m deep suggested an rate 200 m d−1, indicating close fast coupling sedimentation material.