Iron sources and pathways into the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent
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Supporting information
Published version
Author(s)
Qin, X
Menviel, L
Sen Gupta, A
van Sebille, E
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Using a novel observationally constrained Lagrangian iron model forced by outputs from an eddy-resolving biogeochemical ocean model, we examine the sensitivity of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) iron distribution to EUC source region iron concentrations. We find that elevated iron concentrations derived from New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent (NGCU) alone is insufficient to explain the high concentrations observed in the EUC. In addition, due to the spread in transit times, interannual NGCU iron pulses are scavenged, diluted, or eroded, before reaching the eastern equatorial Pacific. With an additional iron source from the nearby New Ireland Coastal Undercurrent, EUC iron concentrations become consistent with observations. Furthermore, as both the New Guinea and New Ireland Coastal Undercurrents strengthen during El Niño, increased iron input into the EUC can enhance the iron supply into the eastern equatorial Pacific. Notably, during the 1997/1998 El Niño, this causes a simulated 30% iron increase at a 13 month lag.
Date Issued
2016-09-29
Date Acceptance
2016-09-12
Citation
Geophysical Research Letters, 2016, 43 (18), pp.9843-9851
ISSN
0094-8276
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
Start Page
9843
End Page
9851
Journal / Book Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume
43
Issue
18
Copyright Statement
©2016. American Geophysical Union.
All Rights Reserved. Qin, X., L. Menviel, A. Sen Gupta, and
E. van Sebille (2016), Iron sources and
pathways into the Pacific Equatorial
Undercurrent, Geophys. Res. Lett., 43,
9843–9851, doi:10.1002/2016GL070501. To view the published open abstract, go to https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2016GL070501
All Rights Reserved. Qin, X., L. Menviel, A. Sen Gupta, and
E. van Sebille (2016), Iron sources and
pathways into the Pacific Equatorial
Undercurrent, Geophys. Res. Lett., 43,
9843–9851, doi:10.1002/2016GL070501. To view the published open abstract, go to https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2016GL070501
Sponsor
Australian Research Council
Grant Number
DE130101336
Subjects
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
MD Multidisciplinary
Publication Status
Published