Surface ocean fertilization can be a natural process by which soluble iron is introduced into the oceans surfaces. One of these natural processes occurs through volcanic eruptions that emit volcanic ash enriched with iron into the atmosphere which eventually makes it way to the oceans. Phytoplankton become abundant when an excess amount of iron is introduced to the oceans surfaces, the phytoplankton is photosynthetic in nature use carbon dioxide in order to undergo photosynthesis. The carbon dioxide is gained through the atmosphere, lowering carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere. There is speculation that iron fertilization if large enough in size such as a volcanic eruption creates a balance with the excess carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere. .
Introduction .
During the process of a volcanic eruption multiple gases and particle are released into the environment one of which is known as volcanic ash. This volcanic ash is enriched with iron; this ash travels a great amount of distance due to wind factors (Holton, 2003). The amount of volcanic ash that travels to the water are in massive amounts, one of the primary nutrients essential to maintain the food chain within the water is iron. The introductions of volcanic ash in mass amounts can greatly influx the concentrations of iron in vast areas of the ocean, which causes a phytoplankton bloom (Lindenthal, 2013). Phytoplankton are photosynthetic organisms that require carbon dioxide in order to carry out photosynthesis. These organisms use carbon dioxide that is in the atmosphere above the surface, with a phytoplankton bloom a decrease in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will occur (Buesseler, 2004). .
Volcanoes .
Volcanic eruption occurs when magma is formed below the earth's surface and begins to rise. The collision of tectonic plates below the surface cause friction which generates enough heat to melt the earth's crust and form hot magma.