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Zonal patterns of δ 13 C, δ 15 N and 210 Po in the tropical and subtropical North Pacific
Author(s) -
Chen Min,
Guo Laodong,
Ma Qiang,
Qiu Yusheng,
Zhang Run,
Lv E,
Huang Yipu
Publication year - 2006
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 - 10.1029/2005gl025186
Subject(s) - transect , particulates , aeolian processes , subtropics , oceanography , seawater , nitrogen , geology , nitrogen fixation , environmental science , environmental chemistry , atmospheric sciences , chemistry , ecology , biology , geomorphology , organic chemistry
Nitrogen fixation process may supply a significant fraction of bioavailable nitrogen to surface waters, increase the oceanic sequestration of atmospheric CO 2 , and alter the distribution of geochemical parameters. We report a zonal pattern of δ 15 N and δ 13 C in particulate organic matter (POM), and ratios of particulate 210 Po to dissolved 210 Po along a transect through the subtropical and tropical North Pacific. Both 15 N and 210 Po signals indicated an enhanced N 2 fixation in the northwestern subtropical North Pacific. The eastward decrease of N 2 fixation along this transect testified the role of aeolian Fe and P in controlling marine N 2 fixation. Associated with the zonal variations of 15 N and 210 Po, the δ 13 C of suspended POM increased eastward, reflecting the decrease of anthropogenic CO 2 concentration in surface seawater from west to east in the study area. Our results highlight the need to examine more closely the mechanisms of possible longitudinal variation in N 2 fixation in the ocean and the role of aeolian Fe and P in controlling marine N 2 fixation and anthropogenic CO 2 .