Iron isotope systematics in Arctic rivers

The input of iron to the Arctic Ocean plays a critical role in the productivity of aquatic ecosystems and is potentially impacted by climate change. We examine Fe isotope systematics of dissolved and colloidal Fe from several Arctic and sub-Arctic rivers in northern Eurasia and Alaska. We demonstrate that the Fe isotopic (δ56Fe) composition of large rivers, such as the Ob’ and Lena, has a restricted range of δ56Fe values ca.–0.11 ± 0.13‰, with minimal seasonal variability, in stark contrast to smaller organic-rich rivers with an overall δ56Fe range from–1.7 to + 1.6‰. The preferential enrichment with heavy Fe isotopes observed in low molecular weight colloidal fraction and during the high-flow period is consistent with the role of organic complexation of Fe. The light Fe isotope signatures of smaller rivers and meltwater reflect active redox cycling. Data synthesis reveals that small organic-rich rivers and meltwater in Arctic environments may contribute disproportionately to the input of labile Fe in the Arctic Ocean, while bearing contrasting Fe isotope compositions compared to larger rivers.

Keyword(s)

Iron isotope, Colloids, River, Weathering, Arctic, Iron speciation

Full Text

FilePagesSizeAccess
Publisher's official version
91021 Ko
Author's final draft
311 Mo
Supplementary Materials
5225 Ko
Tables
4198 Ko
How to cite
Escoube Raphaelle, Rouxel Olivier, Pokrovsky Oleg S., Schroth Andrew, Holmes Robert Max, Donard Olivier F. X. (2015). Iron isotope systematics in Arctic rivers. Comptes Rendus Geoscience. 347 (7-8). 377-385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crte.2015.04.005, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00273/38402/

Copy this text