Deep-Sea Microbes Get a Secret Food Source

Topic: Environment

Scientists discovered that deep ocean microbes get nutrients from tiny particles called marine snow. These particles release dissolved carbon and nitrogen as they sink into the deep sea, providing an immediate food source for microbes.

Scientists have found something surprising in the deep ocean. They thought that microorganisms living at great depths had a hard time finding food because there weren't enough nutrients available. But now they know better.

A new study from the University of Southern Denmark suggests that tiny particles called marine snow release dissolved carbon and nitrogen as they sink into the deep sea. These leaked nutrients become an immediate food source for microbes living in the surrounding seawater. Marine snow is made up of dead algae, microbes, and other organic material drifting through the ocean.

The enormous pressure at great depths forces dissolved organic matter out of these particles. It's like a giant juicer squeezing out the nutrients. The researchers estimate that sinking marine snow can lose as much as 50% of its original carbon and between 58% and 63% of its original nitrogen during its descent through the deep ocean.

This discovery could change how we understand Earth's carbon cycle. Scientists have long assumed that much of the carbon carried by marine snow eventually becomes buried in deep ocean sediments. But if large amounts of carbon leak out before the particles reach the seafloor, less carbon may be permanently stored in sediments than previously believed.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it can help us understand how the ocean stores and releases carbon. This knowledge can improve our models for predicting climate change and its effects on our planet.

Key Facts

• Scientists from the University of Southern Denmark discovered that marine snow releases dissolved carbon and nitrogen as it sinks into the deep sea, providing a food source for microbes.
• Marine snow is made up of dead algae, microbes, and other organic material drifting through the ocean.
• The enormous pressure at great depths forces dissolved organic matter out of marine snow particles.
• Sinking marine snow can lose as much as 50% of its original carbon and between 58% and 63% of its original nitrogen during its descent through the deep ocean.
• This discovery could change how we understand Earth's carbon cycle.

Key Terms

Marine Snow

Tiny particles made up of dead algae, microbes, and other organic material drifting through the ocean.

Implications

This discovery is important because it can help us understand how the ocean stores and releases carbon. This knowledge can improve our models for predicting climate change and its effects on our planet.