Melting Icebergs Fertilize Ocean

Many people think that the glaciers or icebergs of Antarctica melting is a bad thing, but they are only half right. What people don't know is that the melting of these Antarctic icebergs is shedding substantially iron rich water. This water is acting like a growth-boosting vitamin for plant life and therefore animal life in areas that once lacked the mineral while at the same time helping to reduce carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
It has recently been discovered that in areas surrounding the ice floes a change in the environment exists and scientists believe it is directly linked to the high concentration of iron being melted into the waters. The iron rich iceberg-melt water is increasing the growth of microscopic plants and algae, transforming the waters into more healthier water. The waters being able to provide a food source have brought an increase in some bird, fish and wildlife as well. To grow these specific plants they must take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The more icebergs are present the more carbon dioxide is being removed as a potential climate risk.
Of course, the melting of icebergs is still not a good thing and should not be taken lightly. Efforts to control global warming still need to be addressed but this was a positive side to something negative and certainly a surprise to researchers.


http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/74307/title/Melting_icebergs_fertilize_ocean


Debbie Nail Meyer © 2009 MBARI