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Title: Understanding predicted shifts in diazotroph biogeography using resource competition theory

Journal Article · · Biogeosciences (Online)
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We examine the sensitivity of the biogeography of nitrogen fixers to a warming climate and increased aeolian iron deposition in the context of a global earth system model. We employ concepts from the resource-ratio theory to provide a simplifying and transparent interpretation of the results. First we demonstrate that a set of clearly defined, easily diagnosed provinces are consistent with the theory. Using this framework we show that the regions most vulnerable to province shifts and changes in diazotroph biogeography are the equatorial and South Pacific, and central Atlantic. Warmer and dustier climates favor diazotrophs due to an increase in the ratio of supply rate of iron to fixed nitrogen. We suggest that the emergent provinces could be a standard diagnostic for global change models, allowing for rapid and transparent interpretation and comparison of model predictions and the underlying mechanisms. The analysis suggests that monitoring of real world province boundaries, indicated by transitions in surface nutrient concentrations, would provide a clear and easily interpreted indicator of ongoing global change.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
FG02-94ER61937
OSTI ID:
1198065
Journal Information:
Biogeosciences (Online), Journal Name: Biogeosciences (Online) Vol. 11 Journal Issue: 19; ISSN 1726-4189
Publisher:
Copernicus Publications, EGUCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 45 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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