Benthic Iron Flux

This project will measure the benthic flux of iron and its distribution at three sites along the western Atlantic margin to test the main hypothesis that a benthic flux of iron exists even in non-upwelling margins and that this flux is controlled by the input of organic carbon to the seafloor. The project will also test the hypothesis that the benthic flux in these margins is mainly due to the shear stress on the seabed by local currents. Finally, the project will test the hypothesis that the distribution of iron chemical species, and their fate depends on the carbon input flux to the sediment.