A study led by researchers at the University of Arizona shows the vast amounts of volcanic ashes released into the atmosphere ended up in the ocean, particularly in the Southern Ocean, where they provided a smorgasbord for marine algae to feast on.
Volcanic ash is known to contain important nutrients, including phosphorus, iron and silicon. A significant increase in volcanic activity in the Andes peaking between eight and four million years ago likely delivered a significant pulse of nutrients, especially iron, to the Southern Ocean.
University of Arizona Associate Professor of Geosciences Dr. Kaustubh Thirumalai and Dr. Barbara Carrapa, Professor of Geosciences, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the ways this development induced a chain reaction driving environmental change.
