Limiting essential nutrients for marine primary producers can be delivered to the ocean via the atmosphere through deposition of aerosols from both anthropogenic and natural sources, such as mineral dust, wildfires and volcanic eruptions. In addition to supplying nutrients, these particles can act as mineral ballast, facilitating the export and sequestration of carbon-enriched material. They can also induce toxic or harmful responses on marine ecosystems and humans. All these processes are likely to change under current climate-driven enhanced desertification and wildfire activity. However, many unknowns remain about the processes affecting the bioavailability of aerosol-borne nutrients and their biogeochemical effects, including carbon sequestration and toxic responses. In this session, we want to explore the different sources, drivers and biogeochemical impacts of aerosol deposition in the ocean, addressing both modern and past conditions. Contributions can be based on in-situ observations, laboratory experiments, paleo-reconstructions, remote-sensing observations and/or modelling approaches. Submissions investigating mechanistic pathways, assessing existing knowledge limitations or uncertainties, or highlighting key scientific challenges to overcome are especially welcome. By including a wide variety of aerosol sources, this session seeks to advance a more comprehensive understanding of aerosol-ocean biogeochemistry interactions and their implications for the world’s oceans and climate.

• Climate and Ocean Change -
• Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry -
• Physical-Biological Interactions -