Every year, billions of microscopic ocean drifters—copepods, krill, and other zooplankton—perform a breathtaking migration in the Southern Ocean, diving hundreds of meters into the deep. As they descend to hibernate for the winter, they carry carbon from the surface with them and, through respiration and mortality, lock it away beneath 500 meters. This newly quantified […]



Summary

Southern Ocean zooplankton undertake a massive annual migration, diving deep to hibernate for winter. This process actively transports carbon from the surface ocean, vital for climate regulation. By respiring and dying at depth, these creatures effectively sequester carbon below 500 meters. Studies quantifying this phenomenon highlight the significant role zooplankton play in the ocean’s carbon cycle and its impact on global climate. This natural “carbon pump” is essential for understanding how the ocean regulates atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

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