Marine particles in the Gulf of Alaska shelf system: Spatial patterns and size distributions from in situ optics

The Gulf of Alaska is a biologically productive ocean region surrounded by coastal mountains with high seasonal runoff from rivers and glaciers. In this complex environment, we measured the concentrations and size distributions of 2.5 µm–27 mm marine particles using the Laser in situ Scattering and Transmissometry device (LISST-DEEP) and the Underwater Vision Profiler 5 (UVP) during summer 2015. We analyzed the spatial distribution of particles across a wide range of size classes to determine the probable drivers. Spatially, total particle concentrations surpassed 1000 µl/l nearshore in the northeasternmost entrances and in the outflow of Cook Inlet, as well as offshore past the shelf break. These dual maxima suggest high lithogenic inputs nearshore and high biological production at and beyond the shelf break. Most large particles (> 0.5 mm) imaged by the UVP were detrital aggregates. In nearshore surface waters near river inputs, size distributions revealed small size classes (< 100 µm) to be most influential. At the shelf break, size distributions revealed a dual peak in both small (< 100 µm) and very large (> 2 mm) size classes. This study highlights the importance of lithogenic inputs from a mountainous margin to the coastal ocean and their potential to enhance sinking of biological material produced at the shelf break.