New estimates reveal much larger silicon exchanges in the modern ocean
In short: A review of 49 field studies and 18 models found that silicon inputs and outputs in the world ocean are significantly higher than previously thought. Specifically, total silicon inputs are estimated to be 57% higher and outputs 37% higher than previous estimates, suggesting a much more dynamic cycle than once assumed.
By synthesizing recent process studies, researchers updated the global ocean silicic acid inventory and found it is about 24% higher than previous estimates. This shift implies the geochemical residence time of silicon is roughly 8,000 years, which is twice as fast as previously assumed. However, these findings are based on a synthesis of existing studies and models rather than a single new experiment.
Why it matters: Updating our understanding of the silicon cycle is essential for predicting how the ocean's biological pump responds to global change.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Treguer et al. (2021). Reviews and syntheses: The biogeochemical cycle of silicon in the modern ocean. Biogeosciences. · cc-by
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