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Iron flux induced by Haida eddies in the Gulf of Alaska
Author(s) -
Xiu Peng,
Palacz Artur P.,
Chai Fei,
Roy Eric G.,
Wells Mark L.
Publication year - 2011
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 - 10.1029/2011gl047946
Subject(s) - photic zone , iron fertilization , ocean gyre , flux (metallurgy) , oceanography , upwelling , eddy , deposition (geology) , geology , anticyclone , environmental science , atmospheric sciences , particulates , climatology , subtropics , geomorphology , meteorology , phytoplankton , chemistry , nutrient , geography , ecology , organic chemistry , sediment , turbulence , biology
Mesoscale anticyclonic Haida eddies are proposed to deliver a substantial amount of iron into the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) central gyre, where surface waters experience high‐nitrate low‐chlorophyll conditions. In this study we calculate an averaged upwelling flux of dissolved iron into the euphotic zone (100 m) of 1.17 μ mol m −2 d −1 based on observed iron profiles and modeled eddy dynamics and resultant vertical velocities. This estimated eddy‐derived iron supply rate is comparable with new estimates of pulsed iron fertilization rates from rare volcanic ash deposition events. Despite the relatively small area affected by Haida eddies, they are estimated to contribute about 4.6 × 10 6 moles of dissolved iron yearly to the GOA, which is equivalent to the annual atmospheric dust deposition. Haida eddies therefore represent a major iron source that should strongly influence the regional biological productivity and carbon budget of the GOA.