The ocean response to volcanic iron fertilisation after the eruption of Kasatochi volcano: a regional scale biogeochemical ocean model study.

In High-Nutrient-Low-Chlorophyll regions, phytoplankton growth is limited by the availability of water soluble iron. Volcanic ash can carry bio-available iron salts on its surface, which may be formed during volcanic eruptions by surface reactions between volcanic gases and ash. The eruption of Kasatochi volcano in August 2008 led to ash deposition into the iron-limited NE Pacific Ocean releasing iron upon contact of volcanic ash with seawater. Atmospheric and oceanic conditions were favourable to generate a massive phytoplankton bloom, which was observed by satellite instruments and in-situ measurements. Here we investigate this event with a regional scale ocean biogeochemical model system to illuminate the ocean response to iron fertilisation by volcanic ash. The results indicate that the added iron triggered an additional phytoplankton bloom in the summer of 2008, which produced a drawdown of carbon dioxide in surface seawater. The simulated development is in good agreement with the available observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]