Earth Sciences

Transient fertilization of a post-Sturtian Snowball ocean margin with dissolved phosphate by clay minerals

E. C. Fru, J. A. Bahri, et al.

Explore how the melting of Sturtian Snowball ice sheets drastically increased phosphate levels in seawater, igniting a surge in marine primary production and enhancing ocean-atmosphere oxygenation. This groundbreaking research conducted by Ernest Chi Fru and colleagues uncovers the vital role of clay minerals in this transformative ecological event.

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Index

Abstract

Post-Snowball Earth deglaciation enhanced phosphate (PO4) supply to seawater, boosting marine primary production and ocean-atmosphere oxygenation. This study investigates the mechanisms behind this, focusing on the role of clay minerals produced by melting Sturtian Snowball ice sheets. The authors demonstrate a causal link between clay mineral production and a short-lived, at least 20-fold increase in seawater phosphate bioavailability, leading to oxygenation of a post-Sturtian ocean margin. Before and after this event, a low marine phosphate inventory limited productivity and oxygenation.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Dec 18, 2023

Authors

Ernest Chi Fru, Jalila Al Bahri, Christophe Brosson, Olabode Bankole, Jérémie Aubineau, Abderrazzak El Albani, Alexandra Nederbragt, Anthony Oldroyd, Alasdair Skelton, Linda Lowhagen, David Webster, Wilson Y. Fantong, Benjamin J. W. Mills, Lewis J. Alcott, Kurt O. Konhauser, Timothy W. Lyons

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