Iron regulation of ocean ecosystems
Project Manager: Steve Fitzwater
Lead Scientist: Ken Johnson

Ken Johnson’s group has narrowed down their hypotheses as to what causes variations in primary productivity in upwelling systems in Monterey Bay triggered by natural iron fertilization events. They will test their hypotheses using transects and ROV sampling in 2003. In addition, the group will finalize the interpretation of the results from the very successful Southern Ocean IronEx expedition.

The goals of this project are to extend our understanding of the role that iron plays in regulating ecosystem structure and the impact of iron on biogeochemical cycles and climate.  In conjunction with the Chemical Sensor Program, Johnson's group will continue to examine sensor and sampling technologies to automate the iron monitoring program.