These researchers examined equatorial Pacific Ocean sediment cores and found that between 14,000 and 71,000 years ago iron was delivered to the ocean in the form of dust pulses, each of which were connected to abrupt temperature decreases in the Northern Hemisphere.

As explained by Dr. Franco Marcantonio in an interview with R and D Magazine, “Some of the dust dissolved and released iron to the surface waters of the ocean. Each time the dust and iron were added to the surface ocean, we found that there was a corresponding pulse of algae growth.” Some researchers believe that seeding the ocean with iron enables the capture of large amounts of carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere. He added, “The timing of the pulses is associated with cooler temperatures in the northern hemisphere. The connection to carbon dioxide is not clear but we do raise the provocative idea that the last time global carbon dioxide levels were rising in the past, adding iron to the equatorial Pacific Ocean may have acted to lower their levels to some extent.”

Former student, Marilyn Wisler, said about her research experience, “I am so thankful for the experience I had working with Franco Marcantonio and Matthew Loveley and so many others along the way!” This research was funded by a NSF grant and support from the Ken Williams ‘45 Radiogenic Isotope Facility.

By Cristina Figueroa

References:
https://goo.gl/TTrgmS
https://goo.gl/Q6aqfn