Fadeev et al. explore carbon export dynamics along the water column using microscopic analysis, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and physical modeling of data from long-term sediment traps in the Fram Strait. Their results indicate that larger aggregates from sea-ice and under-ice diatom blooms are responsible for higher export efficiency and vertical microbial connectivity, suggesting that continuous sea-ice loss may result in decreased pelagic-benthic coupling, with resultant impacts on marine food webs.
- Eduard Fadeev
- Andreas Rogge
- Morten H. Iversen