Surface Ocean Fertilization

The newly created magma begins to rise in a fluid like motion toward the earth's surface because the magma is less dense than the rock surrounding it (Holton, 2003). This hot magma will rise until the pressure and the temperature will equalize and if this phenomenon occurs at the surface an eruption will occur. Volcanic eruptions result in the ejection of several different types of particles and gases into the atmosphere. One of the major components that emerges from a volcanic eruption emerges as solid matter and quickly fall out of the atmosphere solidifying into larger particles, this is referred to as volcanic ash. This volcanic ash is highly enriched with iron (Holton, 2003). .
             Surface Ocean Fertilization .
             In the ocean iron is essential for multiple living organisms in the production of chlorophyll and photosynthesis. In areas of low iron concentrations there have been recorded limited producing rates, biomass accumulation, and ecosystem structure (Buesseler, 2004). More specifically iron fertilization causes phytoplankton bloom in areas of low iron concentrations Phytoplankton is directly related to the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the increase in organic carbon deeper in the water column through the photosynthetic phytoplankton. Hypothesis have been formed stating that through man made surface ocean iron fertilization, it is possible to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere slowing down the effects of global warming (Buesseler, 2004). .
             Surface Ocean Iron Caused by Volcanic Eruptions .
             Dr. Nazil and his associates describe the importance of volcanic ash in the ocean through surface ocean fertilization. Using samples from two different volcanic zones (subduction and hot spot) for a total of 44 samples, and rapidly releasing the samples to seawater in order to create the same situations in which naturally occur. Significant amounts of iron were dissolved into the solutions which are 35-340nmolFe/g ash from both volcanic zones with a suggested global mean of 200nmolFe/g ash (Nazil, 2011).