Distribution of suspended matter in the Panama basin

Abstract

The distribution of suspended matter in the Panama basin was determined by means of light scattering and Coulter counter measurements on water samples collected at 50 hydrographic stations. The observed distribution indicates three probable sources of suspended matter: (1) the surface waters throughout the basin; (2) erosion and runoff from the continents; and (3) bottom erosion at two sites on the Carnegie Ridge. The distribution of suspended matter also confirms in most respects the pattern of abyssal circulation proposed by Norman P. Laird (1971).