Iron and manganese jointly influence phytoplankton growth in the Southern Ocean
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 4 March 2022
A new study reveals that manganese, alongside iron, is vital for phytoplankton growth in the Southern Ocean. This affects carbon uptake and climate regulation, as trace element availability shapes phytoplankton communities and CO₂ storage.
Keywords: marine ecosystems, photosynthesis, nutrient limitation, Drake Passage, ocean carbon cycle, microbial ecology.
After more than 100 years: The Endurance has been found!
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 9 March 2022
An international team, including AWI researchers, discovered Shackleton’s ship Endurance at 3008 m depth in the Weddell Sea. Found intact, the wreck confirms historical predictions. The team also collected vital sea ice data for climate research.
Keywords: autonomous vehicle, CryoSat-2, historic shipwreck, Antarctic Treaty, satellite imagery, oceanography, AWI.
Using Satellites to Measure UV Light in the Ocean
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 17 March 2022
AWI and IUP researchers developed a method using Sentinel-5P satellite data to precisely measure UV light in oceans, enhancing climate models. The new technique enables accurate global monitoring of UV effects on marine ecosystems and ocean chemistry.
Keywords: ESA, diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd), ocean chemistry, radiometer, Triaxus, Copernicus Programme.
