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Ice sheets as a missing source of silica to the polar oceans

Author

Listed:
  • Jon R. Hawkings

    (Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol)

  • Jemma L. Wadham

    (Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol)

  • Liane G. Benning

    (Cohen Biogeochemistry Laboratory, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds
    German Research Center for Geosciences GFZ
    Free University of Berlin)

  • Katharine R. Hendry

    (School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol)

  • Martyn Tranter

    (Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol)

  • Andrew Tedstone

    (Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
    School of Geoscience, University of Edinburgh)

  • Peter Nienow

    (School of Geoscience, University of Edinburgh)

  • Rob Raiswell

    (Cohen Biogeochemistry Laboratory, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds)

Abstract

Ice sheets play a more important role in the global silicon cycle than previously appreciated. Input of dissolved and amorphous particulate silica into natural waters stimulates the growth of diatoms. Here we measure dissolved and amorphous silica in Greenland Ice Sheet meltwaters and icebergs, demonstrating the potential for high ice sheet export. Our dissolved and amorphous silica flux is 0.20 (0.06–0.79) Tmol year−1, ∼50% of the input from Arctic rivers. Amorphous silica comprises >95% of this flux and is highly soluble in sea water, as indicated by a significant increase in dissolved silica across a fjord salinity gradient. Retreating palaeo ice sheets were therefore likely responsible for high dissolved and amorphous silica fluxes into the ocean during the last deglaciation, reaching values of ∼5.5 Tmol year−1, similar to the estimated export from palaeo rivers. These elevated silica fluxes may explain high diatom productivity observed during the last glacial–interglacial period.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon R. Hawkings & Jemma L. Wadham & Liane G. Benning & Katharine R. Hendry & Martyn Tranter & Andrew Tedstone & Peter Nienow & Rob Raiswell, 2017. "Ice sheets as a missing source of silica to the polar oceans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms14198
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14198
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    Cited by:

    1. Camilla S. Andresen & Nanna B. Karlsson & Fiammetta Straneo & Sabine Schmidt & Thorbjørn J. Andersen & Emily F. Eidam & Anders A. Bjørk & Nicolas Dartiguemalle & Laurence M. Dyke & Flor Vermassen & Id, 2024. "Sediment discharge from Greenland’s marine-terminating glaciers is linked with surface melt," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.

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