Iron Fluxes
The flux of Fe out of marine sediments has been studied using benthic flux chambers.
We are investigating the processes responsible for Fe flux and have found that fresh
sediments deposited on the continental margin are a huge repository of mobilizable
iron. We also found that the mechanics of Fe release involve a threshold trigger which is
related indirectly to oxygen concentration and organic carbon oxidation. We also are
studying how iron isotopes are fractionated during the escape of Fe from sediments and how
they may be used as a tracer for diagenetic mobilization.
Collaborators:J. McManus-OSU, S. Severmann-Rutgers
