Iron limits primary productivity during spring bloom development in the central North Atlantic

C. Mark Moore, Matthew M. Mills, Angela Milne, Rebecca Langlois, Eric P. Achterberg, Karin Lochte, Richard J. Geider, Julie La Roche

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

115 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We present in situ biophysical measurements and bioassay experiments that demonstrate iron limitation of primary productivity during the spring bloom in the central North Atlantic. Mass balance calculations indicate that nitrate drawdown is iron (Fe)-limited and that aeolian Fe supply to this region cannot support maximal phytoplankton growth during the bloom. Using a simple simulation model, we show that relief of Fe limitation during the spring bloom can increase nitrate drawdown and, hence, new primary production, by 70%.We conclude that the episodic nature of iron supplied by dust deposition is an important factor controlling the dynamics of the spring bloom. From this, we hypothesize that variability in the timing and magnitude of the spring bloom in response to aeolian Fe supply will affect carbon drawdown and food web dynamics in the central North Atlantic.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)626-634
Number of pages9
JournalGlobal Change Biology
Volume12
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Ecology
  • General Environmental Science

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