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Particle transformations and export flux during an in situ iron-stimulated algal bloom in the Southern Ocean

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 13:03 authored by Nodder, SD, Charette, MA, Waite, AM, Trull, T, Boyd, PW, Zeldis, J, Buesseler, KO
During the first Southern Ocean Iron RElease Experiment (SOIREE), a suite of biogeochemical measurements (water column 234Th and δ13Corg inventories, particle fluxes from sediment traps, phytoplankton sinking rates) were undertaken to test the hypothesis that the vertical export of particulate organic carbon (POC) is enhanced due to iron-induced increases in phytoplankton production. During the 13-days that the SOIREE bloom was monitored, export fluxes within the iron-fertilised patch were not substantially different to those in waters outside the bloom. On days 11-13, iron enrichment may have caused particle transformations that could lead to elevated future export via particle aggregation and/or diatom chain formation. The unknown time-lag between increased production and export, the longevity of the SOIREE bloom, and the absence of nutrient limitation over days 1-13, however, prohibit prediction of any iron-induced export. This conclusion highlights the difficulties of fully testing the "Iron Hypothesis" and for evaluating the implications for global climate change.

History

Publication title

Geophysical Research Letters

Volume

28

Issue

12

Pagination

2409-2412

ISSN

0094-8276

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

American Geophysical Union

Place of publication

Washington

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Measurement and assessment of marine water quality and condition

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