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Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Plankton Response to Climate Change Through Time-Series Data and Artistic Expression
Published on: July 28, 2023
Effects of phytoplankton physiology on global ocean biogeochemistry and climate
Chia-Te Chien1, Markus Pahlow1, Markus Schartau1
1GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
Abstract:
The similarity of the average ratios of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in marine dissolved inorganic and particulate organic matter, dN:P and pN:P, respectively, indicates tight links between those pools in the world ocean. Here, we analyze this linkage by varying phytoplankton N and P subsistence quotas in an optimality-based ecosystem model coupled to an Earth system model. The analysis of our ensemble of simulations discloses various feedbacks between changes in the N and P quotas, N2 fixation, and denitrification that weaken the often-hypothesized tight coupling between dN:P and pN:P. We demonstrate the importance of particulate N:C and P:C ratios for regulating dN:P on the global scale, with marine oxygen level being an important control. Our analysis provides further insight into the potential interdependence of phytoplankton physiology and global climate conditions.
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