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Particulate phases are key in controlling dissolved iron concentrations in the (sub)tropical North Atlantic
Author(s) -
Milne Angela,
Schlosser Christian,
Wake Bronwyn D.,
Achterberg Eric P.,
Chance Rosie,
Baker Alex R.,
Forryan Alex,
Lohan Maeve C.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2016gl072314
Subject(s) - biogeochemical cycle , particulates , environmental chemistry , environmental science , aerosol , cycling , geotraces , flux (metallurgy) , biogeochemistry , oceanography , chemistry , seawater , geology , organic chemistry , archaeology , history
The supply and bioavailability of iron (Fe) controls primary productivity and N 2 fixation in large parts of the global ocean. An important, yet poorly quantified, source to the ocean is particulate Fe (pFe). Here we present the first combined dataset of particulate, labile‐particulate (L‐pFe), and dissolved Fe (dFe) from the (sub)tropical North Atlantic. We show a strong relationship between L‐pFe and dFe, indicating a dynamic equilibrium between these two phases whereby particles “buffer” dFe and maintain the elevated concentrations observed. Moreover, L‐pFe can increase the overall “available” (L‐pFe + dFe) Fe pool by up to 55%. The lateral shelf flux of this available Fe was similar in magnitude to observed soluble aerosol‐Fe deposition, a comparison that has not been previously considered. These findings demonstrate that L‐pFe is integral to Fe cycling and hence plays a role in regulating carbon cycling, warranting its inclusion in Fe budgets and biogeochemical models.