Time series sediment trap samples were collected during October 1983 to August 1984 (second year) at 3800 m at station PAPA (50 ¿N, 145 ¿W; water depth 4200 m) in the northeastern North Pacific. Components of diatom fluxes have been measured and compiled with previously published 1982--1983 records (first year). Most diatom species showed significantly lower cumulative fluxes in the second year than in the first. Second-year seasonal flux patterns were also notably different from those in the first year. Many of the differences are attributed to the second year's hydrographic change in density structure in the upper 100 m, resulting in a poor nutrient supply to the euphotic layer. The changes in the density structure were coincidental with the 1982--1983 El Ni¿o disturbance. Such an observed flux decrease was analogous to notable changes in hydrography and biota reported elsewhere in the eastern subarctic Pacific which were reported to be due to the El Ni¿o. Diatom fluxes clearly responded to this unusual climate change as well as to normal seasonal cycles. The value percentages of each species within total centric diatoms showed monotonous values thoughout year 2, when productivity was generally low. The percent values were similar to those of year 1's low production period, consistently indicating that these are low productivity signals. High diatom fluxes were accompanied by high percentages of Chaetoceros, suggesting high productivity signals. This strongly supports the contention that diatoms are sensitive climatic and productivity indicators. Maximum diatom carbon flux is mainly contributed by two taxa, Denticulopsis seminae, the smallest sized and most numerous taxon, and Rhizosolenia styliformis, the largest sized taxon. A sizeable contribution of carbon flux by R. alata f. gracillima was observed in year 1, but this was not repeated in year 2 due to the El Ni¿o disturbance. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1987