Fig. 4: Carbon export flux attenuation in OMZs.

Conceptual model of POC export flux attenuation in the water column of OMZs. Left: Low POC flux attenuation is observed when organic matter degradation is solely driven by anaerobic microbial communities that are adapted to hypoxia. Right: In addition to anaerobic microorganisms, zooplankton that have adapted to hypoxic conditions feed on, and break up sinking particles, thereby enhancing particle flux attenuation through the OMZ.