Marine snow (IMAGE) University of Bristol Caption Surface phytoplankton captures carbon, stores it in cell walls, and transfers the element to the ocean deep after the algae die. Now, researchers are looking at how the seasons might affect this process. Credit NOAA National Ocean Service/Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Usage Restrictions Single use - Only for use with press release. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.