Environmental controls on N2 fixation by Trichodesmium in the tropical eastern North Atlantic Ocean—A model-based study

Abstract The low surface nitrate concentration and high atmospheric iron input in the tropical eastern North Atlantic provide beneficial conditions for N 2 fixation. Varying abundances of diazotrophs have been observed and an Fe- and P-colimitation of N 2 fixation was reported in this ocean region. It is however unclear, how different limiting factors control the temporal variability of N 2 fixation and what the role of Fe-limitation is in a region with high fluxes of dust deposition. To study the environmental controls on N 2 fixation, an one-dimensional ecosystem model is coupled with a physical model for the Tropical Eastern North Atlantic Times-series Station (TENATSO), north of the Cape Verde Islands. The model describes diazotrophy according to the physiology of Trichodesmium , taking into account a growth dependence on light, temperature, iron, dissolved inorganic (DIP) and organic phosphorus (DOP). The modelled total Chl a is compared with satellite-derived total Chl a and modelled Trichodesmium (Tri) compared with satellite-derived cyanobacterial Chl a as well as with High Performance Liquid Chromatography data. Model results show a complex pattern of competitive as well as mutually beneficial interactions between diazotrophs and non-diazotrophic phytoplankton. High DOP availability after spring blooms of non-diazotrophic phytoplankton and the ability of Trichodesmium to take up DOP are crucial for allowing a maximal abundance of Tri in autumn. Part of the reactive nitrogen newly fixed by diazotrophs is directly excreted or released through mortality, significantly fuelling the growth of non-diazotrophic phytoplankton in autumn and winter. Fe consumption by non-diazotrophic phytoplankton earlier in the year makes Fe limitation of Tri in late summer more acute, whereas Tri growth in surface waters reduces phytoplankton abundance deeper in the water column by light limitation. Overall, the atmospheric iron input at the TENATSO site is required to enable diazotrophic growth and to support the observed abundance of non-diazotrophic phytoplankton.