Can a better understanding of iron particles that are carried vast distances across the Pacific Ocean help scientists predict how our oceans can reduce carbon emissions? 'THE BLOB' IN PACIFIC OCEAN LINKED TO SPIKE IN OZONEResearchers determined that iron coming out of hydrothermal vents along volcanic mountain ridges in the Pacific can travel up to 2,500 miles. The iron is important for feeding phytoplankton, which are a key part of the marine food chain. Researchers made their conclusion by tracing iron plumes from hydrothermal vents and taking seawater samples. To conduct their research, the scientists went out on a U.S. research vessel for 60 days and collected seawater samples at different depths at 36 stations from South America to Tahiti.

Source: Fox News February 24, 2017 22:30 UTC