marine snow

Coined by American naturalist William Beebe.

marine snow (uncountable)

1. (marine biology) Sinking organic detritus in the ocean.

   Synonym: ocean dandruff

   • 2022, Michael Kent, The Marine Environment and Biodiversity, Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 24:

     Marine snow contains sufficient energy and nutrients to sustain large numbers of marine organisms in the aphotic zone. Unconsumed marine snow eventually sinks to the bottom where it becomes incorporated into the layer of muddy ooze that forms a thick blanket over much of the seafloor.

• reinswoman