Five different fractions of the benthos (foraminiferans, nematodes, polychaetes, peracarid crustaceans, and epibenthic megafauna), ranging in average adult body size over 6 orders of magnitude, were sampled quantitatively at 69 stations in water depths from 40 to 515 m. Total abundances of nematodes, polychaetes and peracarid crustaceans were found to be primarily correlated with parameters characterizing the potential benthic food supply, whereas abundances of foraminiferans and megabenthos were largely associated with seabed properties. Four benthic zones were distinguished. The pattern was shown principally to reflect pelagic regimes differing in surface water hydrography, ice cover and euphotic productivity. Results indicate that abundances as well as composition of Arctic benthos are largely influenced by mesoscale pelagic processes.