Aeolian: Pertaining to the wind, referring to sediments or particles transported and deposited by wind. Also used to describe landforms shaped by wind

Anoxia: Absence of oxygen

Biogenic: Produced by living organisms or biological processes

Biological pump: Process by which carbon dioxide and other gases and nutrients are brought to the bottom of the ocean by sinking organic matter, including dead phytoplankton

Carbon budget: A record or estimation of carbon in an area or system, and the flux into and out of this system. Carbon and other nutrient budgets often differentiate between different forms and sources of the element in question

Carbon sink: A reservoir that absorbs or takes up released carbon from other parts of the carbon cycle

Detritus: Dead organic material, both plant a nd animal

Euphotic zone: The ocean's surface layer; that part receiving enough light for photosynthesis

Greenhouse gases: Gases in the earths atmosphere, either naturally or from anthropogenic sources, which contribute to the greenhouse effect. That is, they trap solar radiation that has penetrated the atmosphere and reflected back off the earth. Examples include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor

Hypoxia: Deficiency of oxygen reaching organs and tissues of the body

Marine snow: Particles, including dead organic matter, sinking in the ocean

Mesozooplankton: One of several size classes of zooplankton, tiny microscopic animals found floating in water

Pelagic: Pertaining to the ocean water column, rather than coastal waters or the sea floor

Remineralization: The process of assimilation of nutrients from dead organic matter

Sediment traps: A container set on the ocean floor, specially designed to collect sediment accumulation

Upwelled: Upwelling is the process by which water rises from a lower to a higher depth, usually as a result of divergence and offshore currents. Upwelled water is often cool and nutrient-rich, and increases biological productivity