Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2021-98
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2021-98
15 Apr 2021
 | 15 Apr 2021
Status: this preprint was under review for the journal BG but the revision was not accepted.

Cells of matter and life – towards understanding the internal structure and spatial patchiness of particles and plankton distribution in the Arctic fjords

Emilia Trudnowska, Katarzyna Dragańska-Deja, Sławomir Sagan, and Katarzyna Błachowiak-Samołyk

Abstract. Nothing is homogenous, neither the oceans, nor the distribution pattern of particles and plankton, both in the water column and within their patches. Here we analyse and map the spatio-temporal distribution patterns and the internal structure of 94 patches of various size fractions of particles and plankton studied in two Arctic fjords over six summer seasons. Observed patches generally occupied only the minor part of the studied upper water column (on average 12 %), and frequently occurred as multi-fraction forms. They varied among years and regions in terms of their position in a water column, size, shape, and structure. Consequently, we propose completely novel insight into their internal structure, by classifying them according to their shapes and the location of their cores. We distinguished seven types of patches: Belt, Triangle, Diamond, Flare, Fingers, Flag, and Rosette. The observed increasing role of the smallest size fractions (steepening size spectra slopes) over years implies that Atlantic water advection played the crucial role on compositional dynamics on temporal scale. The recurring feature of the elevated concentrations of particles and plankton near glacier fronts suggest that it, together with local biological production, is the strongest mechanism generating patchiness on the local scale. Even though we significantly extended our comprehension of the phenomenon of patchiness, it still remains an ambiguous matter, when, why, and if the mechanistic or ecological forcing prevails in shaping the patterns of particles and plankton distribution. Regardless of the mechanism, our results show that particles and plankton are not purely dye-like passive objects and that the type of their structuring in a water column may have only short term and local validity.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Emilia Trudnowska, Katarzyna Dragańska-Deja, Sławomir Sagan, and Katarzyna Błachowiak-Samołyk

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on bg-2021-98', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 May 2021
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Emilia Trudnowska, 22 Oct 2021
  • RC2: 'Comment on bg-2021-98', Anonymous Referee #2, 03 Jul 2021
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Emilia Trudnowska, 22 Oct 2021

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on bg-2021-98', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 May 2021
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Emilia Trudnowska, 22 Oct 2021
  • RC2: 'Comment on bg-2021-98', Anonymous Referee #2, 03 Jul 2021
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Emilia Trudnowska, 22 Oct 2021
Emilia Trudnowska, Katarzyna Dragańska-Deja, Sławomir Sagan, and Katarzyna Błachowiak-Samołyk
Emilia Trudnowska, Katarzyna Dragańska-Deja, Sławomir Sagan, and Katarzyna Błachowiak-Samołyk

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Short summary
Patches (concentration hotspots) of particles and plankton are fundamental “cells” for trophic interactions and organic carbon cycling. But the patterns of their heterogeneous distribution and structuring are still hardly understood. We mapped the spatio-temporal distribution patterns and analysed the internal structure of 94 patches of various size fractions, classified them into several types and discussed the potential mechanisms governing their formation and existence.
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