Particulate organic matter fluxes and resuspension on deep-sea coral banks in the Campos Basin

• Grant number: 25/02397-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Yukio Gomes Sumida
• Grantee: Janaina Santana de Sousa
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The vertical flux of particulate organic matter (POM) is a key component of the Biological Carbon Pump and fundamental trophic resource for deep-sea benthic communities. Beyond vertical transport, sediment resuspension and lateral advection also play a crucial role in redistributing organic material, influencing the abundance, distribution, and biodiversity of benthic organisms. Among deep-sea habitats, deep-sea coral reefs and banks are major consumers of the POM flux, supporting a diverse associated marine life. Understanding POM fluxes in coral banks is essential for elucidating carbon cycling and trophic dynamics in deep-sea environments. Moreover, climate change is altering POM flux patterns and intensity, potentially disrupting ecosystem balance and reinforcing the need for further research.This study aims to quantify and characterize POM transport to the deep-sea bed in the Campos Basin. Using samples from two sediment traps deployed at six different locations, we will quantify and identify the organic particules of these samples using a ZooScan and a FlowCam. With the imagesof the particles obtained from each equipment, we will employ a semi-automatic classification system based on a convolutional neural network. This approach will provide insights into the quality and dynamics of both vertical and resuspended POM fluxes, helping to assess their role as the trophic foundation for benthic communities associated with deep-water coral banks in Campos Basin.