London .- The big icebergs play a key role in the process of absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the oceans, helping to contain global warming dioxide, according to a study published today Nature Geoscience.
From the analysis of satellite imagery, British scientists have determined that water from melted icebergs, rich in iron and other nutrients, stimulates the growth of phytoplankton, aquatic organisms capable of accumulate CO2 during photosynthesis.
The study, conducted by experts from the British University of Sheffield, estimates that the process launched by large pieces of floating ice is responsible for 20% of dioxide absorption carbon in the Southern Ocean.
The geophysical Grant Bigg and his group studied the color changes on the surface of the water after the passage of icebergs over 18 kilometers, an indicator of phytoplankton productivity.
From 175 images taken between 2003 and 2013, researchers found that these large ice formations leave a trail of biological activity that persists at least one month after its passage.
Scientists believe that the Southern Ocean is a key player in the global carbon dioxide cycle, being responsible for about 10% of CO2 absorption in the planet through biological and chemical processes, including phytoplankton photosynthesis.
However, previous studies have suggested that ocean fertilization produced by icebergs is a minor contribution to the growth of such organisms.
“This new analysis reveals that the giant icebergs are essential in the carbon cycle of the Southern Ocean. We detected substantially elevated chlorophyll levels within four to ten times the length of the iceberg, “Bigg said in a statement from the British university.
The study emphasizes that the effect of the passage of the large icebergs than an order of magnitude to that produced by pieces smaller ice.
For Bigg, “if births of icebergs increase during this century, as planned, this negative effect dioxide Carbon may be more important than we thought before. “
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