Award Abstract # 0550365
Collaborative Research: Iron-light Co-limitation in the Deep Chlorophyll Maximum of Stratified Oceanic Regimes

NSF Org: OCE
Division Of Ocean Sciences
Recipient:
Initial Amendment Date: March 3, 2006
Latest Amendment Date: July 21, 2010
Award Number: 0550365
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Simone Metz
OCE
 Division Of Ocean Sciences
GEO
 Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date: August 1, 2006
End Date: July 31, 2011 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $290,653.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $290,653.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2006 = $290,653.00
History of Investigator:
  • Elizabeth Mann (Principal Investigator)
    mann.elizabeth8@gmail.com
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Skidaway Institute of Oceanography
10 Ocean Science Circle
Savannah
GA  US  31411-1011
(912)598-2400
Sponsor Congressional District: 01
Primary Place of Performance: Skidaway Institute of Oceanography
10 Ocean Science Circle
Savannah
GA  US  31411-1011
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
01
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY,
Chemical Oceanography
Primary Program Source: app-0106 
Program Reference Code(s): 0000, 1389, 4444, OTHR
Program Element Code(s): 165000, 167000
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.050

ABSTRACT

Researchers from Scripps Institute of Oceanography, the University of Hawaii, and Skidaway Institute of Oceanography plan to test the hypothesis that iron-light co-limitation at the deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) is a widespread feature of oceanic stratified euphotic zones, and an important control on phytoplankton community composition and size structure. Three different types of DCM will be investigated: mesotrophic, relatively shallow maxima, deeper, chlorophyll per cell based DCM characteristic of oligotrophic gyres, and the Prochlorococcus maximum found just below the oxic/suboxic boundary in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific. To attain their goals, the scientists will carry out the following tasks during the cruises: (1) characterize water column parameters including basic hydrography, nutrient distributions, iron concentration and speciation, phytoplankton community structure, and primary productivity and photosynthetic efficiency; (2) conduct co-limitation incubation experiments at the three types of DCMs; and (3) determine picoplankton cell division and grazing rates.

As regards broader impacts, the researchers plan to recruit undergraduates from both the University of California-San Diego and from an historically black college or university such as Savannah State University via the Collaborations in Integrating Research and Education Program using Research Experience for Undergraduates supplemental funds. A science teacher from California and one from Georgia will be asked to participate in research cruises using supplemental funds from Research Experiences for Teachers. Both teachers will be expected to produce educational materials based on their field experiences. One graduate student from the University of California-San Diego, one from the University of Hawaii and one from Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will be trained and supported as part of this study.

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