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Feed the ocean iron to save the atmosphere

26 September 2007
by Richard Conan-Davies

Dumping large amounts of iron into the ocean may help promote algae growth and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is the idea being discussed at a conference run by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Phytoplankton consume carbon dioxide as they grow, and this growth can be stimulated in certain ocean basins by the addition of iron, a necessary micronutrient. By making such blooms large enough, it could remove excess carbon dioxide from Earth’s atmosphere and carry it down into the deep ocean as organic matter (such as fecal pellets and dead plankton) sinks, thereby reducing the impact of greenhouse gases and global warming. The conference hope to answer questions such as: Efficacy: Can iron fertilization work? Research: What do we already know, and what could future studies, models, and experiments tell us? Consequence: What will be the intended and unintended impacts? Policy: What are the economic, social, and regulatory considerations?

Diagram showing the possible scenario of adding iron to the oceans image: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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Original press release from WHOI

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