Although it has been suggested that primary production and carbon dioxide uptake of the Southern Ocean could be enhanced by the addition of iron, an analysis of the food web for these waters implies that they may be remarkably inefficient as a carbon sink. Marine Sci., Univ. Describes major increases in primary production following pulses of dust transported from Asia. The possible effect of fertilization is small compared to CO 2 increases expected in the absence of strict control measures. Southeast Fisheries Ctr.
Results have important implications for iron limitation of primary productivity.
M.I. Hoffert, J. Geophys. The vertical structure of total carbon, alkalinity, nutrients and dissolved oxygen in the world oceans is examined with a 1-D box model of the equatorial and polar oceans. Inc. For more information on Global Change contact the Editorial Office.