Southern Ocean nutrients and their links to climate change: insights from the metal and silicon isotope signature of diatoms

Project aim

Microscopic plankton (e.g. diatoms) form the base of the marine food-chain and account for ~40% of global primary production, and hence moderating our climate through the ocean's ability to drawdown CO2. Diatom production in Southern Ocean waters is closely tied to the bioavailability of macro and micronutrients, namely silicon, iron, zinc, cobalt and cadmium. In this project, the bioavailability and consumption of iron, silicon, zinc, cobalt and cadmium will be investigated and related to their overall distribution in the global ocean. Knowledge gained in this program will aid in understanding the marine ecosystem and how it influences global climate change.