Ice sheets as a significant source of highly reactive nanoparticulate iron to the oceans

Jon R. Hawkings, Jemma L. Wadham (), Martyn Tranter, Rob Raiswell, Liane G. Benning, Peter J. Statham, Andrew Tedstone, Peter Nienow, Katherine Lee and Jon Telling
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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
Martyn Tranter: Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Rob Raiswell: Cohen Biogeochemistry Laboratory, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds
Liane G. Benning: Cohen Biogeochemistry Laboratory, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds
Peter J. Statham: School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton
Andrew Tedstone: School of Geoscience, University of Edinburgh
Peter Nienow: School of Geoscience, University of Edinburgh
Katherine Lee: Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol
Jon Telling: Bristol Glaciology Centre, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets cover ~\n10% of global land surface, but are rarely considered as active components of the global iron cycle. The ocean waters around both ice sheets harbour highly productive coastal ecosystems, many of which are iron limited. Measurements of iron concentrations in subglacial runoff from a large Greenland Ice Sheet catchment reveal the potential for globally significant export of labile iron fractions to the near-coastal euphotic zone. We estimate that the flux of bioavailable iron associated with glacial runoff is 0.40–2.54 Tg per year in Greenland and 0.06–0.17 Tg per year in Antarctica. Iron fluxes are dominated by a highly reactive and potentially bioavailable nanoparticulate suspended sediment fraction, similar to that identified in Antarctic icebergs. Estimates of labile iron fluxes in meltwater are comparable with aeolian dust fluxes to the oceans surrounding Greenland and Antarctica, and are similarly expected to increase in a warming climate with enhanced melting.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4929

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