Iron and its role in regulating Southern Ocean phytoplankton growth

Diatoms are an important primary producer group and currently account for 40% of global primary production. The sequestration of carbon into the deep ocean by diatoms makes them key players in the modulation of atmospheric CO2 levels and global climate.

The overarching objective of this project is too to reconcile our evolving understanding of the role trace metals plays in controlling diatom production in Southern Ocean waters, and how this relates to their ability to sequester and export CO2 from surface waters.


  1. Investigate the factors that influence iron acquisition and use by diatoms.
  2. Determine the role iron limitation has on the cycling of other trace elements and nutrients in the Southern Ocean surface waters and how this relates to the global distribution these two elements via mode and intermediate water export to low latitude.

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