Where In The Ocean Would OIF Be Conducted?
The initial iron fertilization paradigm we have chosen is fertilization of a HNLC (High Nutrient Low Chlorophyll) zone. HNLC areas have been the primary focus for eleven of the past twelve OIF research experiments. While other paradigms (such as fertilization to stimulate nitrogen fixation) have been discussed and debated, and while a valid rationale for exploring these paradigms may exist, we intend our first demonstration to be an HNLC OIF. This selection narrows our potential choice of project locations. While the Equatorial Pacific is an HNLC region, we have chosen not to consider it for the first experiment because of the potential for generating N2O and because models suggest that at least some nutrient depletion could be an issue in this region. This has led us to focus on the North Pacific or Southern Ocean. Successful OIF experiments have been carried out in both areas. We will further limit our choice of sites for the Southern Ocean to those sufficiently north of the latitude
