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Poleward decrease in the isotope effect of nitrate assimilation across the Southern Ocean
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 06:29 authored by DiFiore, PJ, Sigman, DM, Karsh, K, Trull, T, Dunbar, RB, Robinson, RSRecent studies provide seasonally and spatially resolved information on the isotopic characteristics of nitrate supply and N cycling in Southern Ocean surface waters. The new data improve our understanding of the nitrate supply to the Antarctic surface and its isotopic characteristics, especially with regard to the summertime subsurface minimum temperature (Tmin) layer in the Antarctic. We use these findings to update and compile estimates of the N isotope effect of nitrate assimilation, ε, in the Southern Ocean near Australia. A poleward decrease in ε emerges, from 8-9‰ in the Subantarctic Zone (SAZ, 40-52°S) to similar to 5‰ in the Polar Antarctic Zone (PAZ, ~66°S). ε is strongly correlated with mixed layer depth at the time of sampling. We hypothesize that the correlation is driven by the physiological response of diatoms to light availability, with light limitation leading to higher cellular efflux of nitrate and thus higher ε.
History
Publication title
Geophysical Research LettersVolume
37Issue
17Article number
L17601Number
L17601Pagination
1-5ISSN
0094-8276Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Amer Geophysical UnionPlace of publication
2000 Florida Ave Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20009Rights statement
Copyright 2010 American Geophysical UnionRepository Status
- Restricted