Linking Plankton Size Spectra and Community Composition to Carbon Export and Its Efficiency

The magnitude and efficiency of particulate carbon export from the ocean surface depends not only on net primary production (NPP) but also how is consumed, respired, repackaged by organisms. We contend that several these processes can be captured size spectrum plankton community. However, most global models have relatively simple food-web structures are unable to generate spectra. Moreover, life-cycles multicellular zooplankton typically resolved, restricting ability represent time-lags known impact its (pe-ratio). Here, we use a mechanistic size-spectrum model marine community investigate pe-ratio relate spectrum, composition, between predators prey. generates emergent food-webs with associated distributions for organisms detrital particles. To resolve phytoplankton zooplankton, implement life-cycle (here represented copepods). find correlates best copepod biomass trophic level, whereas exponent sea temperature (SST). Community metrics performed better than NPP or SST both deep pe-ratio. Time-lags copepods did strongly affect conclude discussing reconcile theory field sampling.