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Zooplankton and the Ocean Carbon Cycle
Deborah K Steinberg1, Michael R Landry2
1Virginia Institute of Marine Science, The College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062;
Annual Review of Marine Science
|November 5, 2016
Summary
Marine zooplankton significantly impact global carbon cycling through consumption and excretion. Their diverse roles and export mechanisms influence nutrient flow and energy transfer to higher trophic levels, with climate change posing future risks.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Oceanography
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Marine zooplankton are diverse consumers vital to pelagic food webs.
- Zooplankton carbon processing influences nutrient cycling and energy transfer.
- Understanding these processes is key to marine ecosystem dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on zooplankton carbon processing.
- To assess the impact of zooplankton on global carbon fluxes.
- To explore regional variability and climate change effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of zooplankton feeding, absorption, egestion, respiration, excretion, and production.
- Analysis of carbon flux pathways and export mechanisms.
- Evaluation of uncertainties in trophic structure and community composition.
Main Results:
- Global carbon fluxes are constrained by microzooplankton grazing and mesozooplankton respiration.
- Trophic structure uncertainties significantly affect flux estimations.
- Export mechanisms (fecal pellets, carcasses, etc.) show regional variability.
Conclusions:
- Zooplankton play a critical role in marine carbon cycling and export.
- Community structure and climate change are key factors altering these processes.
- Further research is needed to refine global carbon budget estimations.
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