Areas of the ocean that are rich in marine life are having a bigger impact on our ecosystems and the climate than previously thought, new research suggests.
Observations made by scientists at The University of Manchester found that the primary source of urea – a nitrogen-rich compound, vital for the growth and development of living organisms - comes from the ocean.
The observations reveal an important but unaccounted for source of reduced nitrogen and offer the first-ever observations of gaseous urea in the air.
The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also reveals that urea can be transported over long distances through the atmosphere to benefit other environments that may be nutrient-deficient.
Read More: University of Manchester
A chart showing how different strategies for decarbonizing agriculture reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Photo Credit: Lorenzo Rosa and Paolo Gabrielli)