Influence of the cyclonic eddy field on POC fluxes.

Average (±1 SD) fluxes (mg m−2 d−1) of POC for “eddy” and “non-eddy” conditions. Teff = mesopelagic transfer efficiency defined as 500/290 m and 1000/500 m POC flux. R eddy/non-eddy = POC flux ratio between eddy and non-eddy conditions. Average eddy-induced carbon flux increase at 1000 m calculated as POC fluxes during “eddy” conditions minus POC fluxes during “non-eddy” conditions (9.9+21.3)/2−(2.1+4.1)/2) = 12.5 mg C m−2 d−1. I: June 2005–December 2005; II: December 2005–June 2006; III: June 2006–December 2006. Anomalous values mediated by vertically migrating zooplankton (see text and Fig. 3 for explanation).