Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found that deep-sea microbes may have access to more nutrients than previously believed. Their study indicates that marine snow—organic particles falling from the ocean surface—provides a significant source of dissolved organic matter that supports microbial life in deep waters.
This discovery challenges the long-held view that the deep ocean is a nutrient-poor environment where microbes struggle to survive. Instead, the findings suggest that these microorganisms utilize nutrients from marine snow, which could play a crucial role in sustaining deep-sea ecosystems.
**Why this matters**
Understanding nutrient availability in the deep ocean is essential for comprehending global carbon cycling and marine ecosystem dynamics. This research highlights an important pathway through which organic matter supports microbial communities, potentially influencing how energy flows in deep marine environments.
Source: NewsData