Whale fall
Contribution to the biological pump
There is growing evidence that the contribution of food falls to the deep ocean carbon flux is larger than originally proposed, especially on the local scale in areas of high primary productivity. Unfortunately, contributions of food falls to the biological pump are hard to measure and rely on a few serendipitous studies on discovered falls as well as planted carcasses with much of the deep sea carbon flux studies relying on sediment traps.
Discovery
A 2023 Scripps survey found at least 7 whale falls in an area of 135 sq mi surveyed off the California coast, with sonar evidence that may indicate up to 60 total in that area.
Ecology
At whale fall sites it is common to see between three and five trophic levels present, with two main nutritional sources constituting the base of the food web. Adult whale carcasses can house up to five trophic levels, whereas juveniles more typically have three.
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