Recent Studies Indicate That the Addition of Iron to Areas

question 20

Multiple Choice

Recent studies indicate that the addition of iron to areas of the ocean could increase productivity. Increased productivity could be beneficial for many reasons. What may be one of the LARGEST negative impacts that could occur with "fertilizing the oceans with iron"?

• A)Increased productivity would provide more biomass for subsequent levels on the trophic pyramid.
• B)Increased productivity could result in higher respiration rates and regions of depleted oxygen in the ocean.
• C)Increased productivity would be matched by increased detritus falling to the ocean floor, burying many deep-sea organisms.
• D)Increased productivity could result in depletion of nitrogen available in ocean waters.