On the proportion of ballast versus non‐ballast associated carbon export in the surface ocean

摘要: The role of biominerals in driving carbon export from the surface ocean is unclear. We compiled particulate organic (POC), and mineral ballast fluxes 55 different locations Atlantic Southern Oceans. Substantial POC accompanied by negligible was recorded implying that association with phases not a precondition for to occur. proportion non-mineral associated sinking ranged 0 80% highest areas previously shown be dominated diatoms. This consistent previous estimates showing transfer efficiency such regions low. However we propose that, rather than low arising diatom blooms being inherently characterized poorly packaged aggregates which are efficiently exported but disintegrate readily mid water, it due environments having very high levels unballasted C export.