Interannual Variation in Sinking Particle Flux in the East Sea in Relation with Climate Variability

Abstract

Sinking particle samples were collected for 6 years from 2010 to 2016 at 500, 1000, and 2000 m at Station ES (37.63 °N, 131.6 °E 2370 m water depth) in the Ulleung Basin, southwestern part of the East Sea (Japan Sea). Particle composition and flux of biogenic and lithogenic components were examined. The flux of sinking POC (particulate organic carbon) showed abrupt increase in 2014. This shift and temporal variation in the POC flux will be discussed in relation with primary production and climate variability. Lithogenic material flux also episodically increased after 2014. Role of the lithogenic material derived by Asian dust in biological pump system in the Ulleung Basin will be discussed, too.n and flux of biogenic and lithogenic components were examined. The flux of sinking POC (particulate organic carbon) showed abrupt increase in 2014. This shift and temporal variation in the POC flux will be discussed in relation with primary production and climate variability. Lithogenic material flux also episodically increased after 2014. Role of the lithogenic material derived by Asian dust in biological pump system in the Ulleung Basin will be discussed, too.