Evidence for global coupling of phytoplankton and atmospheric aerosols

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version
Author(s)
Cropp, RA
Gabric, AJ
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2003
Size

430374 bytes

File type(s)

application/pdf

Location

San Diego, CA

License
Abstract

Biological coupling between the ocean and atmosphere may have profound implications for global climate change. Atmospheric aerosols such as dust can directly influence the radiative balance of the earth, but evidence is accumulating to suggest it may also have more subtle effects. Biologically available iron in dust, for example, may stimulate phytoplankton blooms, which then draw down carbon dioxide and emit dimethylsulphide (DMS) to the atmosphere. The latter reacts to form methanesulphonate aerosols (MSA) that may also influence the radiation budget. Such coupling processes have been demonstrated in mesoscale experiments in two HNLC regions of ocean. We present a global analysis of remote sensed data that suggests coupling between phytoplankton and atmospheric aerosols may be more widespread in the worlds oceans than previously thought. Collocation of clusters of covarying phytoplankton and aerosols with physical processes is compelling evidence for close biological coupling of ocean and atmosphere

Journal Title
Conference Title

OCEANS 2003 MTS/IEEE: CELEBRATING THE PAST...TEAMING TOWARD THE FUTURE

Book Title
Edition
Volume

4

Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2003 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or to reuse any copyrighted component of this work in other works must be obtained from the IEEE.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Biological oceanography

Persistent link to this record
Citation