The major contributors to the productivity of the world's ocean are the microscopic drifting plants known as the phytoplankton. The efficiency of their photosynthesis is regulated by the availability of the nutrients and trace metals dissolved in the water around them. Dr. Morel is an expert in examining the role of trace metals, particularly iron, zinc, nickel, copper, cadmium and cobalt, in phytoplankton growth. The will continue his research by developing and testing specific biochemical hypotheses regarding the mechanisms by which specified trace metals might limit the rate of growth of organisms in the sea.
