Variability in particle size distributions, sinking velocities, and fluxes in the northern Gulf of Alaska

Project Description

The focus of this project is to make new, broadly informative discoveries with regard to the function of the ocean’s biological carbon pump and our ability to quantify and monitor its strength and efficiency at high spatial and temporal resolutions. In addition, this project will provide the first quantitative and mechanistic study of sinking particle fluxes in the northern Gulf of Alaska by working in conjunction with the ongoing Seward Line Long-term Observational Program (LTOP). The project includes two years of observations in the northern Gulf of Alaska. By combining moored time-series sediment traps with a new in situ camera system, we will investigate temporal the changes in particle size distribution and their relationship to the downward particle flux.

Project Funding

NSF
Amount: $300,000
Start Date: 2015-04-00
End Date: 2018-04-00

 

 

Research Team

Andrew McDonnell

Andrew McDonnell

Principal Investigator

Associate Professor

Specialties:

  • Ocean Biogeochemical Cycles
  • Marine Particle Dynamics
  • Ocean Acidification
  • Oceanographic Optics
  • Alaska's Blue Economy