A Continuous Size Spectrum for Particulate Matter in the Sea

Abstract

The size spectrum of particulate material in seawater can easily be expressed as total particle volume versus the logarithm of particle diameter. This appears to be the most informative way to present the data and it is also aptly suited to the classical divisions of nanno-, micro-, and macroplankton.A realistic measure of the volume of irregularly shaped particles such as phytoplankton chains could be made with a Coulter Counter. Particle volume measurements were in good agreement with estimates based on microscopic determination of particle diameter. There were also highly significant correlations between total particle volume, as indicated by the counter, and particulate carbon and nitrogen.