Sea snow, also known as marine snow, is a continuous shower of organic material that drifts down from the upper ocean layers to the deep sea.
Understanding Marine Snow
Marine snow is not made of actual snowflakes, but rather it is a mix of biological debris.
What Makes Up Marine Snow?
- Dead and decaying organisms: This includes dead plankton, algae, and other tiny marine life.
- Fecal matter: Animal waste from various sea creatures also forms part of marine snow.
- Inorganic matter: Some mineral particles also contribute to marine snow.
The Journey of Marine Snow
Marine snow begins its journey in the sunlit surface waters of the ocean, where most life thrives. As organisms die or produce waste, this material begins to slowly sink.
Importance of Marine Snow
Marine snow is a crucial part of the marine food web and carbon cycle.
- Food source: It provides food for deep-sea organisms that live far from the sunlight.
- Carbon sequestration: It transports carbon from the surface to the deep ocean, playing a significant role in regulating the Earth's climate.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | Dead organisms, fecal matter, and inorganic particles |
| Origin | Surface waters of the ocean |
| Movement | Sinks down through the water column |
| Importance | Provides food for deep-sea life and contributes to carbon cycling |
| Another Name | Biological debris that falls from higher in the water column |
As the reference states: "Marine snow is a shower of organic material falling from upper waters to the deep ocean. VIDEO: Biological debris that falls from higher in the water column is also known as marine snow.05-Nov-2020"
