Spatial distribution of ETS activity and ATP along a transect from Antarctica to New Zealand

Two proxies of microbial respiration (ETS) and biomass (ATP) were measured at the surface in early autumn 2001 from 51o to 74oS along 175o E across the Antarctic Polar Front (APF). An increasing of ETS activity and a concomitant decreasing of ATP was detected within the APF. This last has revealed itself a site of oxidation of organic matter and consequently a potential oceanic CO2 source.