Vertical flux patterns (µg m−2 d−1) of particulate matter, left panels: brassicasterol (24-methylcholesta-5, 22E-dien-3β-ol), campesterol (24-methylcholest-5-en-3β-ol) plus β-sitosterol (24-ethylcholest-5-en-3β-ol), and right panels: IP25 at the two mooring sites in the Nansen (upper panels) and Amundsen (lower panels) Basins close to the Gakkel Ridge with an indication of sea ice and snow cover during September 2011 until August 2012 (% ice concentration like in figure 2, on top of each panel). (Note the difference in y-axis for brassicasterol, campesterol and β-sitosterol in the Nansen and Amundsen traps.) (Online version in colour.)