Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

An Assessment Of The Use Of Sediment Traps For Estimating Upper Ocean Particle Fluxes, Ko Buesseler, An Antia, Sw Fowler, Et Al, Deborah K. Steinberg, T Trull

VIMS Articles

This review provides an assessment of sediment trap accuracy issues by gathering data to address trap hydrodynamics, the problem of zooplankton “swimmers,” and the solubilization of material after collection. For each topic, the problem is identified, its magnitude and causes reviewed using selected examples, and an update on methods to correct for the potential bias or minimize the problem using new technologies is presented. To minimize hydrodynamic biases due to flow over the trap mouth,the use of neutrally buoyant sediment traps is encouraged. The influence of swimmers is best minimized using traps that limit zooplankton access to the sample collection …