Neodymium in the oceans: a global database, a regional comparison and implications for palaeoceanographic research

摘要: The neodymium (Nd) isotopic composition of seawater has been used extensively to reconstruct ocean circulation on a variety time scales. However, dissolved concentrations and isotopes do not always behave conservatively, quantitative deconvolution this non-conservative component can be detect trace metal inputs exchange at ocean–sediment interfaces. In order facilitate such comparisons for historical datasets, we here provide an extended global database Nd in the context hydrography nutrients. Since 2010, combined datasets large range elements are collected international GEOTRACES section cruises, alongside classical nutrient measurements. Here, take first step towards exploiting these by comparing high-resolution sections western eastern North Atlantic hydrography, nutrients aluminium (Al) concentrations. Evaluating those data tracer–tracer space reveals that generally follow patterns advection, as Al Deviations from water mass mixing observed locally, associated with addition or removal metals benthic nepheloid layers, margins (i.e. boundary exchange) and/or particulate phases reversible scavenging). We emphasize complexity some new cautions against interpretation individual palaeo isotope records, indicates importance spatial reconstructions more balanced approach deciphering past changes. This article is part themed issue ‘Biological climatic impacts element chemistry’.