Biotic and abiotic water-column characteristics (Chla, Phaeo, TC, TN, δ13C, δ15N) at stations in the Weddell Sea (POLARSTERN cruise PS 96, ANT-XXXI/2, December 2015–February 2016)

This dataset contains biotic and abiotic data from water-column samples taken with Niskin bottles mounted on the CTD rosette from 14 sites in the Weddell Sea (mostly South-Eastern). Data are provided for water-column pigments (chlorophyll a and phaeopigment content through fluorometry), total carbon (TC) and nitrogen (TN) and stable isotope values of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C, δ15N) from the chlorophyll maximum (Cmax, defined as the water depth with maximum fluorescence detected during in-situ profiles) and close to the sea bottom. Water was filtered onto glass fiber filters (GF/C for pigments, combusted GF/F for C and N analyses) and stored at -80°C prior to analysis. Detailed methods are described in Säring et al. (submitted) except for stable isotopes: Flash combustion in a Flash 2000 (Thermo) elemental analyser to a Delta V advantage (Thermo) isotope ratio masspectrometer. δ values are reported relative to atmospheric N₂ (δ15N) and Vienna PeeDee Belemnite (δ13C). Reference materials for stable isotope analysis: IAEA-N1, IAEA-N2, IAEA-N3, NBS 22, IAEA-CH-3 and IAEA-CH-6; calibration material: Acetanilide (Merck). The analytical precision for both stable isotope ratios was <±0.2‰. Samples were not acidified to avoid loss of material. We assumed low inorganic carbon content in the water column for our analyses. This data table is part of a larger study analysing the role of environmental parameters for meio- and macrofaunal community composition (see Related to below).