Scientists say crushing deep-ocean pressure squeezes hidden nutrients out of sinking marine snow, feeding microbes and changing what we know about Earth’s carbon cycle
Scientists have discovered that the immense pressure in the deep ocean squeezes nutrients out of sinking marine snow—tiny particles of dead algae and organic matter—providing an unexpected food source for deep-sea microbes. The findings suggest more carbon escapes into deep ocean water than previously believed, which could reshape scientists' understanding of Earth's carbon cycle and improve future climate models.
