Organic matter: does size matter?
- José Luis García
- Dec 7, 2022
- 2 min read
The Bentayga is an eddy that rotates clockwise, which affects how the organic matter produced and used by organisms that inhabit the ocean is distributed. Organic matter is made up of myriads of chemical compounds based on carbon atoms, forming carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. It can be divided into dissolved and particulate, depending on its size, and the limit is dictated by the pore size used to filter the water (between 0.2 and 0.7 micrometers).
José Luis filtering water to collect particulate organic matter (left) and an example of a filter with particles from the sediment traps (right)
Dissolved organic matter represents 97% of all organic matter in the ocean and represents one of the largest reservoirs of organic carbon on the planet. The highest concentration is found on the surface ocean, where the effect of the Bentayga is most noticeable. 95% of the dissolved organic matter comes directly or indirectly from phytoplankton, which are the organisms responsible for photosynthesis in the sea, and the remaining 5% from terrestrial or atmospheric sources. The functions of dissolved organic matter in the ocean are diverse, intervening in carbon dynamics in the ocean (Biological Carbon Pump), buffering and contributing to water alkalinity, complexing trace metals or damping the damaging effect of UV radiation on organisms inhabiting the ocean.
Particulate organic matter is made up of all living organisms that inhabit the ocean, and fundamentally, by particles of sizes ranging from micrometers to centimeters. These particles can be found in suspension or sedimentation more or less rapidly in the water column, being their main source waste materials from marine trophic webs. As they are larger, these particles sink, transporting carbon and other elements from the surface to the bottom of the sea, contributing to the Biological Carbon Pump.
In an eddy like the Bentayga we are observing that the main fractions of organic matter are dissolved and particulate matter in suspension and, therefore, the vertical transport of this matter dominates the flow of large particles, in sedimentation by gravity.
Interesting read! It’s fascinating how Bentayga’s rotation can reshape the distribution of organic matter, and the filtration-based cutoff between dissolved and particulate really puts the “size matters” question into perspective.
I love how the post explains the swirl patterns in the Canaries—it's like a mini ocean dance! After watching those spins, I realized I need a mental break. Maybe a quick round of escape from wave for brainrots will reset my brain. Have fun!
Great insight on how the eddy Bentayga influences organic matter distribution in the ocean. Understanding the balance between dissolved and particulate forms is key to grasping carbon dynamics. For enhancing any related imagery or data visuals, I recommend using HD Photo Converter Online for sharp results.
Excelente análisis del rol del tamaño en la materia orgánica marina; la distribución del Bentayga es clave. Nosotros también valoramos este mundo invisible. Gracias. Este tipo de contenido es fascinante y nos recuerda la importancia de descubrirlo, como nos permite Imagen a Texto.
Great analysis of ocean organic matter dynamics and the Bentayga eddy's influence. It's fascinating how dissolved matter dominates yet particulate flow drives carbon sinking. For visualizing these complex cycles, I rely on Sprite Generator AI to create clear, consistent diagram elements.