The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

BGC-Argo float reveals shifts in nitrogen-carbon cycling in an oxygen-deficient zone
ID:1020 Oral Presentation

2027-01-14 15:20 (China Standard Time)

Session: Session 39 - Leveraging BGC-Argo Observations to Advance Marine Biogeochemical Cycles and Ecosystem Dynamics

Abstract
Oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs) are major sites of marine fixed nitrogen loss, but the temporal variability of the microbial processes governing nitrogen cycling remains poorly constrained due to the scarcity of sustained observations. Here we present a nearly three-year record from a Biogeochemical Argo float deployed in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific that captured a pronounced decline in nitrite concentrations, indicating a shift in nitrogen redox balance. Using a stoichiometric mass-balance model, we quantified key nitrogen transformations - including dissimilatory nitrate reduction to nitrite (DNRN), denitrification, anammox, and nitrite oxidation - and examined their links to carbonate chemistry. DNRN dominated nitrogen transformations throughout the record, whereas denitrification and anammox exhibited pronounced temporal and vertical variability associated with changes in organic matter supply and biogeochemical conditions. In addition, mesoscale eddies episodically altered carbonate saturation horizons through isopycnal shoaling and deepening, highlighting the physical-biogeochemical coupling within the ODZ. These results demonstrate that nitrogen and carbon cycling in oxygen-deficient waters are highly dynamic rather than at steady state, emphasizing the critical role of sustained autonomous observations for resolving temporal variability and improving our understanding of marine biogeochemical processes.
Speaker
Mariana Bif University of Miami

Author
Mariana Bif University of Miami

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027