Author
Lisa Ayers Lawrence, Virginia Sea Grant, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Grade Level
9-12
Lesson Time
45 min.-1.5 hr
Objectives
The oceans account for approximately 80% of the Earth's surface but only about 50% of primary production. Large areas of the world's oceans, including the central ocean gyres, are not highly productive due to low levels of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous. However, there are two areas, the equatorial Pacific and the Southern Ocean, that have high nutrient levels yet still do not have high phytoplankton productivity. (These areas are called HNLC -- high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll waters.) Why is productivity lacking in spite of the presence of sufficient nutrients? Scientists, asking that same question determined that these areas, though nutrient-rich, are lacking in iron. These scientists came up with the Ocean Iron Fertilization Hypothesis to solve the problem.
The Iron Hypothesis theorizes that by adding iron to HNLC areas, phytoplankton productivity will increase. As the phytoplankton photosynthesize, they take in CO2, incorporating the carbon into their cells and releasing the oxygen to the water and atmosphere. Once the phytoplankton die, they sink below the thermocline taking with them the atmospheric carbon which will remain stored in the deep ocean for a long time. This process is called the biological pump. Benefits of ocean iron fertilization could include not only an inexpensive method of reducing atmospheric CO2, but an increase in fish stocks due to the increase in food. With such beneficial effects, why aren't scientists pumping iron into the oceans like crazy?
Consider that it is extremely difficult to assess all the implications of deliberately altering such a massive ecosystem. Many research issues remain. Fertilization of the oceans may cause not only good phytoplankton blooms but also harmful algal blooms. In addition, when large phytoplankton blooms die, oxygen is used during decomposition. This could lead to anoxic conditions like the Gulf of Mexico's "dead zone." With anoxic conditions comes the release of methane and nitrous oxide, two other greenhouse gases.
More research needs to be conducted on ocean iron fertilization to see if this is a viable solution. One such research project is Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's (MBARI) MOOS Upper-water-column Science Experiment (MUSE). The MUSE data show temperature, salinity, nitrate, iron and chlorophyll content in waters just outside of Monterey Bay in California. The following data activity analyzes selected MUSE data from August 2000 during upwelling and non-upwelling (relaxation) events.
Data Activity
The waters near Monterey Bay, California experience upwelling
events that bring cold, nutrient-rich water up from the bottom. During these
upwelling events, the area experiences HNLC (high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll)
conditions. From August 18 - 26, 2000 the R/V New Horizon
sailed off the coast of Monterey Bay conducting the MUSE
project. During this time, the area experienced two upwelling events separated
by a relaxation event.
Access MBARI's wind direction data from this time period.
Access MBARI's surface contour data for the first upwelling event and the relaxation event.
During the research cruise, scientists collected samples of surface water and conducted iron enrichment experiments in the lab to see if it was iron-limited. Access the enrichment experiment data. Sample A was collected during the first upwelling event in high-nutrient waters, and sample B was collected during the second upwelling event in high-iron waters. To each sample, iron was added (open circles) and chlorophyll levels were measured and compared to controls with no iron enrichment (filled circles).
Compare your answers with our Answer page.