Dissolved rare earth elements tracing lithogenic inputs over the Kerguelen Plateau (Southern Ocean)

A one-box model yields a lithogenic-Nd flux, from the dissolution of lithogenic material, of 89±20 t Nd y−1, and a corresponding dissolved-iron input larger than 100,000 t Fe y−1. However, despite evidence of this significant lithogenic input, dissolved Fe is strongly depleted in the upper layers, contrasting with the enriched REE concentrations. This contrast stresses the different behaviours of REE and iron in the surface waters and the fact that strong fertilization does not imply dissolved Fe-replete waters.