Collaborative Research: GEOTRACES Pacific Section - Nd isotopes and REEs in the South Pacific

由于能够追踪水团的来源和混合，稀土元素(REE)和钕同位素(ND)被GEOTRACES计划确认为关键的痕量元素和同位素(TEI)。因此，由ND测量产生的传输数据可能会促进我们对驱动海洋中TEI分布的主导过程的理解。特别需要在南太平洋进行ND测量，因为目前的观测结果与GCM模型不一致。来自哥伦比亚大学和俄勒冈州立大学的研究人员将在即将到来的2013年GEOTRACES巡航期间分析海水、气溶胶、水柱颗粒和海底沉积物中的钕、锶和稀土元素。由于GEOTRACES太平洋部分邮轮的地理样带，调查人员将评估一系列生物、化学和物理过程所造成的影响，包括：边界交换、高生产率、来自气溶胶的表面增加、来自分离的类星状层的增加到底层水域、来自热液喷口的颗粒、可逆清除和地下水通量。此外，在秘鲁-智利氧气最小区域(OMZ)内，调查人员将利用TEI Ce更好地了解横向和垂直过程的相对影响。通过改善对TEI分布的了解，结果还将加强生物地球化学模型，并增进对气候系统的了解。更广泛的影响：研究将促进两名年轻科学家的职业生涯，支持博士和本科生的教育和培训，并为外联活动提供材料。此外，结果将发表在科学期刊上，所有数据将提交给生物和化学海洋学数据管理办公室。

Neodymium isotopes (Nd) and rare earth elements (REE) are recognized by the GEOTRACES program as key trace elements and isotopes (TEIs) because they trace the sources and mixing of water masses. Therefore, transport data generated by Nd measurements will potentially advance our understanding on the dominant processes that drive TEI distribution in the ocean. There is a particular need for Nd measurements in the South Pacific because current observations do not agree with GCM models. Researchers from Columbia University and Oregon State University will analyze seawater, aerosols, water column particulates, and sea-floor sediments for Nd, strontrium, and REE during the upcoming 2013 GEOTRACES cruise. Because of the geographical transect of the GEOTRACES Pacific section cruise, investigators will assess impacts made by a suite of biological, chemical, and physical processes including: boundary exchange, high productivity, surface addition from aerosols, addition to bottom waters from detached nephloid layers, particles from hydrothermal vents, reversible scavenging, and groundwater fluxes. Furthermore, within the Peru-Chili Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ), investigators will utilize the TEI cerium to better understand relative effects of lateral and vertical processes. By improving understanding of the distribution of TEIs, results will also enhance biogeochemical models and advance knowledge of climate systems. Broader Impacts: Research will advance careers of two young scientists, support education and training of Ph.D. and undergraduate students, and provide materials for outreach activities. Additionally, results will be published in scientific journals and all data will be submitted to the Biological and Chemical Oceanography Data Management Office.