Silicon isotope fractionation during nutrient utilization in the North Pacific

The distribution of silicon in the North Pacific is controlled by the utilization of silicic acid by diatoms, a process that fractionates silicon (Si) isotopic compositions. Silicon isotope variations are presented for six water column profiles from the surface mixed layer down to the deep waters of the North Pacific Ocean. Although the observed Si isotopic variations display an apparently simple inverse relationship with dissolved nutrient concentrations, in fact they reflect mixing of surface waters undergoing active Si isotope fractionation and deep-waters with more uniform concentrations and isotope compositions. Samples from the surface of the subtropical gyre have the lowest dissolved Si concentrations and heaviest Si isotope compositions of marine waters measured thus far. Fractionation in the surface waters follows a typical Rayleigh-type distillation curve for a 'closed' surface water reservoir resulting from stratification of the surface layer in the subarctic region. In contrast, an 'open' system prevails within the subtropical gyre where there is significant recycling of silicic acid in the upper water column and lateral transport of silicon within surface currents. For deep waters, the Si isotope composition distinguishes between the northern North Pacific Deep Water (NPDW) and the southerly-derived bottom water. The relatively light Si isotope compositions measured from waters within the subarctic gyre provides evidence for isolation of the nutrient pool in the North Pacific. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.