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Biogeosciences Discuss., 4, 823-869, 2007
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Iron profiles and speciation of the upper water column at the Bermuda Atlantic time-series Study site: a model based sensitivity study

L. Weber1, C. Völker2, A. Oschlies3, and H. Burchard4
1National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK
2Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung Bremerhaven, Germany
3Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften, Kiel, Germany
4Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde, Germany

Abstract. A one-dimensional model of the biogeochemistry and speciation of iron is coupled with the General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM) and a NPZD-type ecosystem model. The model is able to simulate the temporal patterns and vertical profiles of dissolved iron (dFe) in the upper ocean at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study site reasonably well. Subsurface model profiles strongly depend on the parameter values chosen for the loss processes for iron, colloidal aggregation and scavenging onto particles. Current estimates for these parameters result in depletion of dFe. A high stability constant of iron-binding organic ligands is required to reproduce the observed degree of organic complexation below the mixed layer. A solubility of atmospherically deposited iron higher than 2% lead to dFe concentrations incompatible with observations. Despite neglecting ultraviolet radiation, the model produces diurnal variations and mean vertical profiles of H2O2 and iron species that are in good agreement with observations.

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Citation: Weber, L., Völker, C., Oschlies, A., and Burchard, H.: Iron profiles and speciation of the upper water column at the Bermuda Atlantic time-series Study site: a model based sensitivity study, Biogeosciences Discuss., 4, 823-869, 2007.   Bibtex   EndNote   Reference Manager