Studies on Pigmented Microorganisms from Aphotic Marine Environments. II. North Atlantic DISTRIBUTION1

摘要: Samples collected on three cruises in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea indicate existence of regional differences so-called “olive-green cells,” visible throughout most 5,000-m water column, which appear to be related euphotic phytoplankton activities. Despite observed regionality cell concentrations mean vertical pattern distribution for each cruise is identical Microscopic observations settling rate calculations suggest that clumping cells may an important mechanism aiding transport these microorganisms through column. Average estimates carbon represented by yielded a range 0.59–0.05 µg C/liter, accounted about 10% total particulate organic present at 400 4,800 m, respectively. However small variations, they clearly demonstrate variability deep least one component pool. Microzooplankton are suggested as likely predators cells, average 3.5-µ diameter. Since standing stock olive-green exceedingly small, any assessment their importance nutritional source intimately with renewal rate.