Glossary
The English version of our glossary is currently under construction and will be regularly updated.
Particulate organic carbon (POC)
Particular organic carbon (POC) is a form of organic carbon found in bodies of water in particulate form, both as part of living cells, and as dead material. POC is an important food source for various marine organisms and, as a natural carbon sink, has an effect on the carbon cycle.
Organic molecules or compounds found in seawater in suspended form, typically as part of particles or collections of particles. POC is often considered to be an indicator for marine carbon turnover. POC is also an important factor with regard to determining the ocean’s carbon balance and can affect the global carbon balance and climate. POC is produced by biological processes like photosynthesis, cellular respiration, waste production and the decomposition of organisms.
POC can be found in various size classes, from microscopic particles to clearly visible particles measuring several millimetres in diameter. The POC concentration in the ocean varies both spatially and temporally, and depends on several factors, like the productivity of the ocean, food availability, and the types of organisms in the ocean.