 Deep chlorophyll maximum

The Deep Chlorophyll Maximum (DCM) refers to a layer in the water column, typically found in the ocean, where chlorophyll concentrations—and thus phytoplankton biomass—are significantly higher than in the surrounding layers. This phenomenon often occurs below the surface layer, typically at depths of around 30 to 100 meters, but the exact depth can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, season, and water column stratification.