Anthropogenic iron in the atmosphere and its effect on marine primary production

Atmospheric supply of dissolved iron (DFe) to the ocean has been suggested to regulate the marine primary production in large parts of the world's ocean. However, there are still large uncertainties how the atmospheric inputs of DFe influence the sea water DFe concentrations and thus the productivity. In this study, we interactively combine laboratory kinetic experiments with global aerosol modeling to more accurately quantify anthropogenic DFe due to air pollution. At the same time, we use the atmospheric chemistry transport model and an ocean ecosystem model to investigate the effects of atmospheric input of DFe from mineral dust and combustion aerosols on marine Fe cycle and primary production in the open ocean. Our results suggest that pyrogenic Fe-containing aerosols are more important sources of atmospheric bioavailable Fe for the marine productivity than previously thought.