Mineral Aerosols as a Source of Marine Dissolved Silica: A Ge/Si Mass Balance Approach

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ABSTRACTOCE-9977103This work will study the impact of dust on the marine Si cycle using a Ge/Si mass balance approach coupled with laboratory dissolution experiments. The laboratory work will be an experimental study of Si and Ge dissolution from aerosols during reaction with rainwater and seawater, by which changes in aerosol composition after the particles reach the surface ocean can be assessed. Additionally, through studies on the eolian component of pelagic sediments, sediment trap samples, and seawater, the PI would construct a Ge-Si mass balance between aerosols and sediments to constrain the Si flux from dust to the oceans. Because the wind regime and associated dust input into the ocean between glacial and interglacial periods is likely very different, this study could have important implication to understanding biogeochemical changes associated with glacial/interglacial cycles.