Atmospheric Aeorsol Deposition Rates and Chemistry in Western Atlantic Trade Winds: The Link to Transport and Depostion Processes

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ABSTRACTOCE-0623189The atmospheric transport of various substances from the continents to the oceans plays an important role in marine biogeochemical processes and can impact the global carbon cycle. However, the factors affecting the atmospheric transport and deposition of continentally-derived species such as iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus are poorly known. For this reason, three scientists at Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences propose a study aimed at improving our understanding of the processes controlling the deposition of African dust over the tropical Atlantic, thereby improving estimates of the impact of dust deposition on the marine biogeochemistry in this region. To attain their goal, the PIs will measure aerosol deposition by wet and dry processes in the trade winds at Barbados and focus on the following three components: (1) characterizing the rates of deposition, the relative importance of wet and dry deposition, and the processes that control deposition rates of these aerosols; (2) the chemistry of iron and other dust-related trace elements in aerosols and precipitation; and (3) the chemistry of nitrogen and phosphorus species in aerosols and precipitation. As regards broader impacts, this study will yield new insights on the influence of atmospheric deposition on biogeochemical processes in the marine environment. Three graduate student will be trained and supported as part of this project.