Mesoscale eddies are highly dynamic and ubiquitous features of ocean circulation. Recent studies suggest that they may play an important role in supplying new nutrients to the euphotic zone, thereby enhancing primary production and carbon export in otherwise nutrient-deficient systems. However, relatively few direct observations of this process are available. The ephemeral nature of eddies make them difficult to predict and study. The present work involves documenting the influences of cold-core cyclonic eddy on new productivity, carbon export and particle scavenging. The study area is in the lee of the main Hawaiian Islands, where local topography and prevailing northeasterly trade winds combine to generate vigorous eddy fields. Quantitative estimates of the net effect of these types of cyclonic eddies on new production and carbon export relative to the ambient oligotrophic ocean will be made using the naturally occurring radioactive isotope, 234Th. Carbon export calculated via the 234Th method with various particle size classes will be compared with that from sediment traps and indirect measurements such as depth-dependent changes in DIC/δ13C DIC, nutrient inventories and nitrate flux. Data will be collected during three different stages of an eddy namely - the spin-up, mature and spin-down phase. These three data sets will provide an understanding of the variability in carbon export during the different stages of a single eddy and the eddy’s potential contribution to carbon flux and export within the gyre. This will be one of the few comprehensive studies that examine the spatial, temporal and physical variability associated with eddies.