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The effect of advection on the nutrient reservoir in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre

Author

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  • Jaime B. Palter

    (Duke University)

  • M. Susan Lozier

    (Duke University)

  • Richard T. Barber

    (Duke University Marine Laboratory)

Abstract

Though critically important in sustaining the ocean's biological pump, the cycling of nutrients in the subtropical gyres is poorly understood. The supply of nutrients to the sunlit surface layer of the ocean has traditionally been attributed solely to vertical processes. However, horizontal advection may also be important in establishing the availability of nutrients. Here we show that the production and advection of North Atlantic Subtropical Mode Water introduces spatial and temporal variability in the subsurface nutrient reservoir beneath the North Atlantic subtropical gyre. As the mode water is formed, its nutrients are depleted by biological utilization. When the depleted water mass is exported to the gyre, it injects a wedge of low-nutrient water into the upper layers of the ocean. Contrary to intuition, cold winters that promote deep convective mixing and vigorous mode water formation may diminish downstream primary productivity by altering the subsurface delivery of nutrients.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaime B. Palter & M. Susan Lozier & Richard T. Barber, 2005. "The effect of advection on the nutrient reservoir in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre," Nature, Nature, vol. 437(7059), pages 687-692, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:437:y:2005:i:7059:d:10.1038_nature03969
    DOI: 10.1038/nature03969
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    Cited by:

    1. Hasumi, Hiroyasu & Nagata, Toshi, 2014. "Modeling the global cycle of marine dissolved organic matter and its influence on marine productivity," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 288(C), pages 9-24.
    2. Patrick J. Michaels, 2008. "Evidence for “Publication Bias†concerning Global Warming in Science and Nature," Energy & Environment, , vol. 19(2), pages 287-301, March.
    3. Zhang, Zhenlin & Lowe, Ryan & Falter, James & Ivey, Greg, 2011. "A numerical model of wave- and current-driven nutrient uptake by coral reef communities," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(8), pages 1456-1470.

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