Electron microprobe analysis of suspended matter in the Angola Basin
Bernard, P.; Eisma, D.; Van Grieken, R. (1999). Electron microprobe analysis of suspended matter in the Angola Basin. J. Sea Res. 41(1-2): 19-33 In: Journal of Sea Research. Elsevier/Netherlands Institute for Sea Research: Amsterdam; Den Burg. ISSN 1385-1101; e-ISSN 1873-1414, more |  |
| Keywords | Composition > Biochemical composition
Particulates > Suspended particulate matter
Sediment traps
Sedimentation
Topographic features > Submarine features > Basins > Ocean basins
Marine/Coastal | | Author keywords | Ase, atlantic, angola basin |
| Authors | | Top | - Bernard, P.
- Eisma, D., more
- Van Grieken, R., more
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| Abstract | Electron microprobe analysis of suspended-matter samples collected at different water depths at ten stations in the Angola Basin indicated that at each station, from top to bottom, the elementary composition of the suspended matter was very similar and differed from the composition of the suspended matter at the adjacent stations. This indicates that the downward settling of the suspended matter is much faster than the horizontal transport and mixing by the currents. Assuming that the suspended matter settles in the form of flocs, or is scavenged by settling flocs, the suspended matter can indeed reach the bottom in a shorter period than needed for the currents to cover the distance between adjacent stations. Comparison with sediment trap data from the literature shows that also lateral transports and/or deep water gyres have to be invoked to further increase residence times of suspended matter in the water column. |
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