Marine Snow
What is Marine Snow?
Marine snow refers to a continuous shower of organic material, including dead organisms, fecal matter, and other particles, that falls from the upper layers of the ocean to the deep sea. It serves as an important food source for deep-sea organisms.
Underwater Falling Debris
Marine snow is a term for tiny bits of organic material, like dead plants, animals, and poop, that slowly sink from the surface to the deep ocean. It looks like falling snowflakes, which is why it’s called “marine snow.”
Where Marine Snow Comes From
Marine snow starts near the surface, where plants like phytoplankton and animals like zooplankton live. When these tiny organisms die or produce waste, their remains clump together and begin to sink. As the pieces drift down, they can pick up more particles, creating larger “flakes” of marine snow.
Why Marine Snow Is Important
Marine snow is essential for life in the deep ocean. It:
- Feeds Deep-Sea Creatures: Animals like sea cucumbers and crabs rely on marine snow as their main source of food.
- Recycles Nutrients: When marine snow reaches the seafloor, it breaks down and helps nourish the ocean ecosystem.
Who Eats Marine Snow?
Deep-sea creatures, like:
- Sea Cucumbers: Crawl on the ocean floor, eating the snow that lands there.
- Crabs and Worms: Scavenge marine snow for nutrients.
- Deep-Sea Fish: Consume pieces of marine snow as it sinks.
How Marine Snow Helps the Planet
Marine snow also helps the Earth by:
- Storing Carbon: When marine snow sinks, it traps carbon dioxide, keeping it out of the atmosphere. This helps reduce greenhouse gases.
- Supporting Ecosystems: It provides food for deep-sea life, creating a healthy balance in ocean ecosystems.
Challenges
Pollution and climate change can affect how marine snow forms and falls. Changes in ocean temperatures or too much plastic in the water can disrupt the process, making it harder for deep-sea creatures to survive.