Evidence for resuspension of rebound particles from near-bottom sediment traps

Near-bottom sediment trap moorings were recovered at three sites in the North Equatorial Pacific. Total particulate fluxes recorded within 30–350 m of the ocean floor were greater than those recorded in the mid-water column. A simple two-component mixing model using the most organic-rich surface sediments sampled and an extrapolated mid-water column flux does not account for increases in the major biogenic components (organic carbon, calcium carbonate and opal). The resuspension of rebound particles (those particles) that have settled through the water column but have not become incorporated into the sediments) may account for the observed flux near the ocean floor.