Collaborative Research: Atmospheric Iron Inputs to the Sargasso Sea: Temporal Variability and Impact on Iron Distribution in the Upper Ocean

Bermuda Institute Of Ocean Sciences (Bios), Inc., St. George'S

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT OCE-0222053 OCE-0222046 Although the gross features of atmospheric dust transport and deposition to the ocean are well established, major uncertainties remain on the effective solubility of the iron in the dust entering the ocean and the effects of these deposition on the distribution and speciation of iron in the upper ocean. A PI from the Bermuda Biological Station for Research and a PI from the University of Delaware will participate in two cruises to a site near BATS during summer months to obtain atmospheric and water column samples when dust inputs are at peak values. Atmospheric samples (precipitation and mineral aerosols) will be analyzed for total-dissolvable Fe and Al, as well as readily-soluble Fe and Fe(II). Seawater samples from the upper water column will be analyzed for total-dissolvable Fe and dissolved Fe and Fe(II) in the dissolved (<0.4 um) colloidal (0.4-0.03 um) and soluble (<0.03 um) phases. Results from this work will be used to determine the effect of atmospheric depositions on the distribution, speciation and biological availability of iron in the upper ocean.