Rare earth element input and transport in the near-surface zonal current system of the Tropical Western Pacific
Abstract
Continental sources and current transport play a major role in rare earth element (REE, and 14other trace element) input and distribution in the Tropical Western Pacific.Here, we present 15spatially highly resolved distributions of dissolved REE concentrations ([REE]) along three 16transects in the zonal (extra-)equatorial current system and the Solomon Strait of the Tropical 17Western Pacific.We use seawater [REE] in combination with direct physical oceanographic 18observations (e.g., current velocity data) to characterize the geochemical composition, origin 19and pathways of the complex surface and upper layer currents of the Tropical Western Pacific 20and to quantify the input fluxes of REEs. We identify Papua New Guinea(PNG)volcanic 21rocks, sediments, and/or river particlesas the key source adding trace elements to the 22equatorial eastward zonalcurrents of the Tropical Western Pacific.Our and published data 23indicate temporal and spatial variability of thisinput and transport in the PNG source area 24and the equatorial eastward currents.The westward currents, on the other hand, lack this REE 2input signal suggestinglateral transport of preformed seawater [REE].At the transition 26between these zonal eastward and westward currents, our data indicate lateral mixing of 27Eastern and Western Pacific source waters.
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