Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-28-2006
Department
Marine Science
Abstract
Nitrogen fixation process may supply a significant fraction of bioavailable nitrogen to surface waters, increase the oceanic sequestration of atmospheric CO2, and alter the distribution of geochemical parameters. We report a zonal pattern of delta N-15 and delta C-13 in particulate organic matter (POM), and ratios of particulate Po-210 to dissolved Po-210 along a transect through the subtropical and tropical North Pacific. Both N-15 and Po-210 signals indicated an enhanced N-2 fixation in the northwestern subtropical North Pacific. The eastward decrease of N-2 fixation along this transect testified the role of aeolian Fe and P in controlling marine N-2 fixation. Associated with the zonal variations of N-15 and Po-210, the delta C-13 of suspended POM increased eastward, reflecting the decrease of anthropogenic CO2 concentration in surface seawater from west to east in the study area. Our results highlight the need to examine more closely the mechanisms of possible longitudinal variation in N-2 fixation in the ocean and the role of aeolian Fe and P in controlling marine N-2 fixation and anthropogenic CO2.
Publication Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume
33
Issue
4
Recommended Citation
Chen, M.,
Guo, L.,
Ma, Q.,
Qiu, Y.,
Zhang, R.,
Lv, E.,
Huang, Y.
(2006). Zonal Patterns of Delta C-13, Delta N-15 and Po-210 In the Tropical and Subtropical North Pacific. Geophysical Research Letters, 33(4).
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/2493
Comments
©Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2005GL025186