This project continues the study on particle transformation in mesopelagic slope waters off Monterey Bay where particles (marine snow) from the surface waters of the epipelagic zone undergo rapid regeneration. New instrumentation, developed by project engineers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and a Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) will be used to recognize and separate slow sinking class of marine snow from more colonized, reactive and rapidly sinking class for community analyses. Dr. Silver and colleagues will examine the role of biological processes that lead to carbon remineralization of marine snow, and other losses that appeared closely linked to events that have been difficult to study by more traditional approaches.
