•1 min read•from Oceanography News -- ScienceDaily
Scientists finally discover what’s fueling massive sargassum blooms
Our take
Recent research has identified the underlying factors driving the unprecedented growth of massive Sargassum blooms in the Caribbean and Atlantic. These blooms are primarily fueled by a nutrient partnership: phosphorus from equatorial upwelling and nitrogen supplied by cyanobacteria associated with the drifting algae. Analysis of coral cores indicates that this nutrient dynamic has intensified over the past decade, correlating with significant surges in Sargassum since 2011.
Massive Sargassum blooms sweeping across the Caribbean and Atlantic are fueled by a powerful nutrient partnership: phosphorus pulled to the surface by equatorial upwelling and nitrogen supplied by cyanobacteria living directly on the drifting algae. Coral cores reveal that this nutrient engine has intensified over the past decade, perfectly matching surges in Sargassum growth since 2011. By ruling out older theories involving Saharan dust and river runoff, researchers uncovered a climate-driven process that shapes when and where these colossal seaweed mats form.
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