Stable isotope ratios in seawater nitrate reflect the influence of Pacific water along the northwest Atlantic margin

The flow of Pacific water to the North Atlantic exerts a globally significant control on nutrient balances between the two ocean basins and strongly influences biological productivity in the northwest Atlantic. Nutrient ratios of nitrate (NO3-) versus phosphate (PO34-) have previously been used to complement salinity characteristics in tracing the distribution of Pacific water in the North Atlantic. We expand on this premise and demonstrate that the fraction of Pacific water as determined by NO3-:PO34- ratios can be quantitatively predicted from the isotopic composition of subeuphotic nitrate in the northwest Atlantic. Our linear model thus provides a critically important framework for interpreting delta N-15 signatures incorporated into both modern marine biomass and organic material in historical and paleoceanographic archives along the northwest Atlantic margin.

Automated summary

The flow of Pacific water to the North Atlantic significantly influences nutrient balances and biological productivity. Nutrient ratios have been used to trace the distribution of Pacific water, and a linear model has been developed to predict the fraction of Pacific water based on isotopic composition. This model provides a critical framework for interpreting nitrogen isotopes in marine biomass and organic material in historical archives.