Jellyfish-like creatures may play major role in the marine carbon transport system
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 06:14
in Earth & Climate
Pyrosoma atlanticum are semi-transparent, barrel-shaped marine animals, about the size of a human thumb. They move through the water by drawing water in the front end and propelling it out the rear in a sort of jet propulsion. They belong to the group of thaliacean and consist of gelatinous substance like jellyfish. Swarming by millions in 'hot spots' and also dying by millions like salps, Pyrosoma atlanticum may be transporting tons of carbon per year from the ocean surface to the deep sea...
