Vertex: phytoplankton/iron studies in the Gulf of Alaska

摘要: VERTEX studies were performed in the Gulf of Alaska order to test hypothesis that iron deficiency was responsible for phytoplankton's failure remove major plant nutrients from these waters. In view observed Fe distributions and results phytoplankton enrichment experiments, it concluded atmospheric input rates are sufficient support moderately high primary productivity; however, not enough is available growth would lead normal nutrient depletion. Enhanced does occur along continental margin, where NO3 surface depletion observed. Coccolithophorids appear be best able cope with low conditions; they cannot compete diatoms when readily available. Iron may more important than N determining global new production. Offshore Pacific Ocean water, replete nutrients, appears infertile without supplemental atmosphere or margin.