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Posted March 8, 1999 Carbon Cycle in the Equatorial Pacific It was known informally as the Geritol Solution to global warming. In 1993, John Martin's now famous IronEx Experiment was conducted in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean and confirmed a hypothesis linking the availability of iron in open ocean waters to the growth of marine algae. Scientists now know that up to a point, more iron in the surface of the ocean means higher algae production which increases the carbon dioxide flux from the atmosphere into the ocean. Fei Chai assistant professor in the School of Marine Sciences, has worked on IronEx Experiment results and continues to study the relationships between nutrients, temperatures and algae production in the equatorial Pacific. On a computer work station in his Libby Hall office, he maintains one of the mathematical models used by scientists to understand this system. His model can extrapolate experimental results from small ocean patches to the entire Equatorial Pacific. A model description is available. Return UMaine Today Research home |
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