Ocean sediment traps

Ocean sediment traps are devices used by scientists to collect particles sinking through the water column, such as organic matter, minerals, and plankton remains. These traps are typically suspended at specific depths and gently catch falling particles over a period, helping researchers study how substances like carbon and nutrients move within the ocean. This information is crucial for understanding processes like carbon cycling, marine food webs, and climate regulation. Sediment traps provide valuable data on the makeup and quantity of materials settling to the ocean floor, contributing to our knowledge of oceanic and environmental dynamics.