Abstract
Recent studies show that stoichiometric elemental ratios of marine
ecosystems are not static at Redfield proportions but vary
systematically between biomes. However, the wider Atlantic Ocean is
under-sampled for particulate organic matter (POM) elemental
composition, especially as it comes to phosphorus. Thus, it is uncertain
how environmental variation in this region translates into shifts in
C:N:P. To address this, we analyzed hydrography, genomics, and POM
concentrations from 877 stations on the meridional transects AMT28 and
C13.5, spanning the Atlantic Ocean. We observed nutrient-replete,
high-latitude ecosystem C:N:P to be significantly lower than the
oligotrophic gyres. Latitudinal and zonal differences in elemental
stoichiometry were linked to overall nutrient supply as well as N vs. P
limitation. C:P and N:P were generally higher in the P-stressed northern
region compared to southern hemisphere regions. We also detected a zonal
difference linked to a westward deepening nutricline and a shift from N
to P limitation. We also evaluated possible seasonal changes in C:N:P
across the basin and predicted these to be limited. Overall, this study
confirms latitudinal shifts in surface ocean POM ratios but reveals
previously unrecognized hemisphere and zonal gradients. This work
demonstrates the importance of understanding how regional shifts in
hydrography and type of nutrient stress shape the coupling between
Atlantic Ocean nutrient and carbon cycles.