The patterns of particulate matter distribution (chlorophyll, phytoplankton pigmentation, biogenic silica, particulate carbon, and nitrogen, bacterial and phytoplankton abundance, and optical particle concentration) in the Northeast Water Polynya off the northern coast of Greenland are described, and their relationships to environmental conditions (hydrography, nutrients, and ice cover) are analyzed. Particulate matter concentrations were substantial in the euphotic zone, with the largest fraction consisting of phytoplankton material. Most of this phytoplanktonic material was diatomaceous during the study period (late summer). Surface chlorophyll concentrations were inversely correlated with nitrate concentrations, which were often undetectable in the surface layer, suggesting that phytoplankton standing stocks were controlled by nitrogen availability. The particulate carbon to particulate nitrogen ratio was unusual, in that elevated (approximately nine by weight) mean values were observed near the surface and reduced values (near 6 by weight) occurred at the base of the euphotic zone. These elevated C/N ratios apparently resulted from adaptation to low nutrient conditions. Other elemental ratios (particulate carbon to chlorophyll, biogenic silica to particulate carbon) appear simila to other Arctic systems. Bacterial numbers were greatest in waters wtih intermediate ice concentrations but in all cases contributed a small fraction (approximately 3%) of organic carbon in the particulate pool. Though variable in spatial distribution, the polynya was a source of substantial quantities of particles; resolving the fate of this material requires further analysis of these data in conjunction with rate measurements and coupled physical-biological models. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1995