Atmospheric inputs of volcanic iron around Heard and McDonald Islands, Southern ocean

Volcanic emissions from Heard Island on the Kerguelen plateau significantly increase atmospheric iron (Fe) loading and solubility, highlighting volcanoes as crucial sources of aeolian Fe for remote oceanic regions. This discovery challenges conventional models that often overlook volcanic contributions to marine ecosystems. The study analyzed atmospheric samples around Heard and McDonald Islands in the Southern Ocean, revealing elevated Fe concentrations linked to volcanic activity. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating volcanic inputs into biogeochemical models to better understand nutrient cycling in the remote Southern Ocean.

Perron, M. M. G., Proemse, B. C., Strzelec, M., Gault-Ringold, M., & Bowie, A. R. (2021). Atmospheric inputs of volcanic iron around Heard and McDonald Islands, Southern ocean. Environmental Science: Atmospheres, 1(7), 508–517. https://doi.org/10.1039/d1ea00054c