Satellite images of surface ocean chlorophyll in the Southern Ocean show intriguing patches of elevated biological production around and downstream of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia island (see figure). The built-up of biomass in these regions is associated with a lowering of dissolved carbon concentrations at the surface and leads to an enhanced uptake of anthropogenic CO2 from the atmosphere. It is believed that the high production is stimulated by natural iron (Fe) fertilization originating from shallow shelf areas around islands and peninsulas. However, little is known about the small-scale dynamics of the flows in this area or about the effects of eddies and jets on macro- and micro nutrients transports.

This project will implement a high-resolution version of the Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) for the Drake Passage and Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean to study the dynamics of the circulation and quantify the fluxes of macro- and micro-nutrients in the water column and from the sediments. The effects of eddies and jets on marine biota and productivity will be investigated with a coupled biogeochemical model. Geological, remote sensing and climate data will be used for model setup and validation.