Ocean iron fertilization or artificial ocean alkalinization? Study reveals divergent effects on climate
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Oct-2025 22:11 ET (31-Oct-2025 02:11 GMT/UTC)
The study reveals that OIF promotes marine carbon sinks by adding iron to “high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll” marine regions (e.g., the Southern Ocean), which enhances the photosynthesis of surface phytoplankton and thereby increases marine carbon sinks. In contrast, AOA improves seawater alkalinity by adding alkaline materials (such as limestone) to the ocean; through carbonate chemical processes, this method drives the ocean to absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere.
This study presents a sustainable strategy for upcycling ocean-derived CO2 and opens new avenues for electrochemically driven biochemical synthesis.
Analysis revealed that ignition occurred during the development stage of the thunderstorm—not the mature stage as traditionally thought. The lightning frequency and intensity were lower in this phase, but the discharge characteristics were unique.