Controls on tropical Pacific Ocean productivity revealed through nutrient stress diagnostics

Michael J. Behrenfeld (), Kirby Worthington, Robert M. Sherrell, Francisco P. Chavez, Peter Strutton, Michael McPhaden and Donald M. Shea
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Michael J. Behrenfeld: Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University
Kirby Worthington: Goddard Space Flight Center
Robert M. Sherrell: Rutgers University
Francisco P. Chavez: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Peter Strutton: Oregon State University
Michael McPhaden: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
Donald M. Shea: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Nature, 2006, vol. 442, issue 7106, 1025-1028

Abstract: The Oceans in Colour Phytoplankton growth rates can now be estimated from satellite ocean colour measurements, but this remarkable development requires an understanding of the specific growth-limiting nutrients. In situ iron-enrichment experiments have revolutionized our understanding of nutrient constraints, but only on a scale of tens of kilometres. In regions like the equatorial Pacific, high surface nitrate and vanishingly low iron can cause phytoplankton to synthesize special pigment-protein complexes with unique fluorescence properties. A new study combines this understanding of physiological responses to iron stress with field data spanning thousands of square kilometres to more accurately estimate phytoplankton growth in this climate-critical region. The findings show that the 'greenness' of phytoplankton is not always an accurate reflection of primary productivity. See Fig. 1 on page 1025 to match the study area with the cover image.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1038/nature05083

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