Reef Chemistry Question of the Day #158 Iron in the Ocean

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Reef Chemistry Question of the Day [HASHTAG]#158[/HASHTAG]

Which of the following is most true?

A. The iron concentration is higher at the surface than 1000 meters down.

B. The iron concentration is lower at the surface than 1000 meters down.

C. The iron concentration is about the same at the surface and 1000 meters down.

D. The iron concentration varies too much with location to make a consistent comparison between the iron concentration at the surface and 1000 m down.

Good luck!























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[twilliard]

As per the Iron atlas i have to say D

 

[KingBlingTX]

Interesting question. Several different factors are in play relating to concentrations near the surface vs at depth. My guess on which would be the dominant one would be based on the phytoplankton presence near the surface. So with that in mind, I would say- A

 

[JimWelsh]

I agree with Kevin that the dominant factor is most likely phytoplankton near the surface, but I differ in the conclusion. I think the phytoplankton is consuming iron, and so the answer is B.

 

[Sabellafella]

D

 

[Dtackett]

I would say d. the currents and upswells would mix the iron as well as most other elements throughout. while there will always be spots where it tends to collect or rest, speaking of the ocean as a whole, I would have to see D. There are too many variables to make a definitive call.

 

[beaslbob]

D

 

[twilliard]

Ok Randy what is your conclusion

 

[dbl]

I will be the odd ball out and go with B.

 

[wpeterson]

I vote for B.

Iron is being actively consumed by phytoplankton and other phototropic life near the surface and delivered to the depths sequestered in that biomass as those things are dying off and sinking down to the depths. As that material decays, it is released back into the water - so I'm guessing more prevalent at lower depths and slowly mixing in to normal levels near the surface where it's being consumed.

 

[twilliard]

http://www.nature.com/news/digital-atlas-shows-oceans-iron-levels-1.14774


This isnt cheating is it

 

[dbl]

I vote for B.

Iron is being actively consumed by phytoplankton and other phototropic life near the surface and delivered to the depths sequestered in that biomass as those things are dying off and sinking down to the depths. As that material decays, it is released back into the water - so I'm guessing more prevalent at lower depths and slowly mixing in to normal levels near the surface where it's being consumed.

So I'm not the odd ball out anymore! I was also thinking about the emissions of gases/other "stuff" at the oceans floors as a reason as well. Could be way off, but that's what I was thinking.

 

[dbl]

http://www.nature.com/news/digital-atlas-shows-oceans-iron-levels-1.14774


This isnt cheating is it

It's not cheating if you didn't use it to surmise your guess. Since you didn't post an answer, I would say you're good to go!!!

 

[twilliard]

It's not cheating if you didn't use it to surmise your guess. Since you didn't post an answer, I would say you're good to go!!!

Oh man Randy will boot me out of this one darn it!
I was the first post lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

http://www.nature.com/news/digital-atlas-shows-oceans-iron-levels-1.14774


This isnt cheating is it

Depends on how you interpret it.

Which answer do you think it supports most strongly?

If you still think D, then no, are are not cheating, and that isn't the answer I'd give.

 

[twilliard]

Thank you Randy!

 

[Habib(Salifert)]

It might depend on if there was a Sahara sand storm in the direction of the atlantic or not

For the Pacific and South Atlantic I would answer b.

 

[dbl]

How about an answer Randy? The suspense is killing me.

 

[Bunnee911]

That's a nice question. I admire a nice question.

 

[beaslbob]

does it change as you get near the poles?