Sediment trap in nearshore waters collected during Palmer LTER station season at Palmer Station Antarctica, 1992 - 1995.

Particulate organic matter is exported from the upper ocean euphotic zone in the form of large sinking particles and as dissolved material. Particle fluxes to depth link the surface and mesopelagic realm and supply food to the benthos. Sedimentation flux is typically measured with sediment traps of various designs. Sedimentation at the PAL site of the West Antarctic Peninsula demonstrates extreme seasonality, with a well-defined pulse in the Austral summer following sea ice retreat.