THE PRODUCTION OF PARTICLES IN THE SURFACE WATERS OF THE OCEAN WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE SARGASSO SEA1

Abstract

In the surface waters of the ocean particle production and consumption are in balance. The structure of the pelagic food chain and the morphological limitations dictated by the environment are such that, in general, large particles have to consume smaller ones. If the large particles are removed the small particles cannot be consumed and their production rate can be measured. A state of exponential growth seems to be normal. The rate of production, as revealed by small particle growth following predation release, is much greater than the apparent rate of primary production indicated by radiocarbon uptake.