Model output for: "Effects of African dust deposition on phytoplankton in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean off Barbados"

Model data for "Effects of African dust deposition on phytoplankton in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean off Barbados" 

Abstract: Bioassay incubation experiments conducted with nutrients and local atmospheric aerosol
amendments indicate that phosphorus (P) availability limited phytoplankton growth in the low-nutrient
low-chlorophyll (LNLC) ocean off Barbados. Atmospheric deposition provides a relatively large influx of new
nutrients and trace metals to the surface ocean in this region in comparison to other nutrient sources. However,
the impact on native phytoplankton is muted due to the high ratio of nitrogen (N) to P (NO3:SRP>40) and
the low P solubility of these aerosols. Atmospheric deposition induces P limitation in this LNLC region by adding
more N and iron (Fe) relative to P. This favors the growth of Prochlorococcus, a genus characterized by low P
requirements and highly efficient P acquisition mechanisms. A global three-dimensional marine ecosystem
model that includes species-specific phytoplankton elemental quotas/stoichiometry and the atmospheric
deposition of N, P, and Fe supports this conclusion. Future increases in aerosol N loading may therefore
influence phytoplankton community structure in other LNLC areas, thereby affecting the biological pump
and associated carbon sequestration.