The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Stimulation of small phytoplankton drives enhanced sinking particle formation in a subtropical ocean eddy
ID:594 Oral Presentation

2027-01-14 14:15 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 49 - Biological Carbon Pump: New Insights from Field Observations and Model Constraints

Abstract

Nutrient transfer into the sunlit surface ocean by cyclonic eddies is potentially crucial for sustaining primary productivity in the strati ed subtropical gyres. However, the nature of productivity enhancements, including the flow of matter to higher trophic levels and its impact on carbon uxes, remain poorly resolved. Here, we report a detailed assessment of the biogeochemical response to a cyclonic eddy in the subtropical Northwest Pacific via a combination of ship-based and autonomous platforms. Primary production was enhanced twofold within the eddy core relative to reference sites outside, whereas phytoplankton biomass even decreased. Pico-phytoplankton (< 2 μm) dominated (> 80%) both phytoplankton biomass and primary production inside and outside the eddy. The stimulated primary production in the eddy core was accompanied by an approximately twofold increase in mesozooplankton abundance, an approximately threefold increase in particle formation in the deep chlorophyll maximum layer, as well as signi cantly enhanced surface oceanic CO2 uptake and net community production. We suggest these observations carry important implications for understanding carbon export in the subtropical ocean and highlight the need to include such subtropical eddy features in ocean carbon budget analyses.

Speaker
Haoran Liu Hainan University

Author
Haoran Liu Hainan University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

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    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

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    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027