The Ecology of Marine Snow

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Marine snow is a generic term for all aggregated particles in the water column which are 500um or larger in diameter. Aggregates in this size range are abundant throughout the world's oceans. They are composed of algae, bacteria protozoa, detritus organic and inorganic debris often embedded in a mucus matrix. Much of the surface derived matter in the ocean fluxes to the ocean interior and sea floor as large particles of marine snow. Dr. Alldredge will continue her work on marine snow formation. The topic is of significant interest in terms of nutrient regeneration in the ocean and the role of these particles as a potential as a food source. There are two areas of work which she will pursue. The first is to characterize the nutrient regeneration in the microenvironments and the second is to investigate the role of diatoms (phytoplankton) in flocculation. This research is a continuation of a very successful research project which has been funded for the last three years.