New Study Reveals That Gooier Marine Snow Is Much Better at Transporting Carbon

Phys.org Science•Published: Oct 12, 2026 07:30 PM IST

A new study reveals that the viscosity, or gooeyness, of marine snow plays a critical role in how efficiently carbon is transported and stored in the deep ocean. Researchers discovered that highly viscous marine snow can shuttle more than six times as much carbon to the deep ocean compared to less viscous particles.

Viscosity Impact: Gooey marine snow particles resist bacterial breakdown better, allowing them to sink deeper and sequester carbon for hundreds to years or longer.
Microscopic Imaging Breakthrough: Scientists utilized 3D confocal microscopy and fluorescent molecules to visualize bacteria interacting with marine snow for the first time.
Bacterial Colonization: Researchers found that bacteria easily colonize less viscous surface areas but struggle to penetrate the tough, highly viscous inner cores.

The Context & Background

Marine snow consists of tiny clumps of organic and inorganic detritus—such as mucus, fecal matter, and dead plankton—that constantly rain down from the ocean surface to the seafloor. Scientists estimate that while marine snow moves over 10 gigatons of carbon downward annually, only a fraction reaches deep enough for long-term storage.

Why it matters:Understanding how marine snow transports carbon helps scientists refine global climate models and better predict how the ocean absorbs greenhouse gases. This breakthrough in mucus-bacteria interactions also sheds light on vital biological processes found in coral reefs, kelp forests, and human digestive tracts.

Enjoyed this 2-minute breakdown?

Share it with your colleagues and friends!