A scientist from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution proposes to take advantage of a cruise to the Arabian Sea oxygen deficient zone to collect and analyze a unique suite of samples for nitrite del15N and del18O, as well as collect and preserve samples for nitrate del15N and del18O. The nitrite isotopic data, a first of its kind, would provide new insights into the sources and sinks of nitrogen within this low oxygen environment. The nitrite and nitrate dual isotope data would be used to determine the role of N2 fixation in supporting the production of excess N2 in this region.
