From Australian Oceans Data Network
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Characterization of a Southern Ocean deep chlorophyll maximum: response of phytoplankton to light, iron, and manganese enrichment

Created 23/06/2025

Updated 23/06/2025

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Southern Ocean phytoplankton growth is limited by low iron (Fe) supply and irradiance, impacting the strength of the biological carbon pump. Unfavourable upper ocean conditions such as low nutrient concentrations can lead to the formation of deep chlorophyll or biomass maxima (DCM/DBM). While common in the Southern Ocean, these features remain under-studied due to their subsurface location. To increase our understanding of their occurrence, we studied the responses of phytoplankton communities from a Southern Ocean DCM to increasing light, Fe, and manganese (Mn) levels. The DCM communities were light- and Fe-limited, but light limitation did not increase phytoplankton Fe requirements. The greatest physiological responses were observed under combined Fe/light additions, which stimulated macronutrient drawdown, biomass production and the growth of large diatoms. Combined Mn/light additions induced subtle changes in Fe uptake rates and community composition, suggesting species-specific Mn requirements. These results provide valuable information on Southern Ocean DCM phytoplankton physiology.

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Field Value
Title Characterization of a Southern Ocean deep chlorophyll maximum: response of phytoplankton to light, iron, and manganese enrichment
Language eng
Licence Not Specified
Landing Page https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/ab4fe062-6282-46e5-92eb-1add53302d88
Contact Point
Australian Ocean Data Network
pauline.latour@utas.edu.au
Reference Period 29/12/2020 - 15/06/2021
Geospatial Coverage Australia
Data Portal Australian Oceans Data Network

Data Source

This dataset was originally found on Australian Oceans Data Network "Characterization of a Southern Ocean deep chlorophyll maximum: response of phytoplankton to light, iron, and manganese enrichment". Please visit the source to access the original metadata of the dataset:
https://catalogue.aodn.org.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/csw/dataset/characterization-of-a-southern-ocean-deep-chlorophyll-maximum-response-of-phytoplankton-to-ligh