Ocean Science
Ocean Science
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Articles | Volume 22, issue 4
Articles | Volume 22, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-2621-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-2621-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 22, issue 4
Research article
 | 
28 Aug 2026
Research article |  | 28 Aug 2026

Krill defecation at depth reduces carbon flux attenuation in the Weddell Sea euphotic zone

Florence Atherden, Emily Rowlands, Gareth Flint, Sophie Fielding, Katrin Schmidt, Elaine Fileman, Maren Richter, Bethany Wilkinson, Angus Atkinson, and Clara Manno

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Short summary
The Southern Ocean influences global climate, in part, through biological production of carbon-rich particles which trap atmospheric CO2 in the deep ocean. Our study highlights that krill defecating at 50–100 m and injecting carbon-rich pellets effectively counteracts the "typical" scenario where the quantity of particles rapidly decreases from the surface, ultimately increasing how much atmospheric carbon is stored. These processes are of global benefit, but vulnerable in a changing climate.
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