Recently scientists have found massive amounts of iron along
with some other micronutrients leaking from hydrothermal vents in the South Atlantic.
This new finding is causing a frenzy within the scientific community. Originally, it was not predicted that this
much iron was being leaked from these hydrothermal vents. These iron samples
were found on a route scientists took across the Atlantic that passed over the
Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This is a group of valleys
and mountains that stretch from the Artic to Antarctic. This is also a place of
much tectonic action.
I think
this is very critical. While iron is required for life and is a very aspect,
too much iron can be dangerous. Iron allows the body to create hemoglobin, but
too much of it can cause serious heart problems in humans. High iron levels in
the water will also affect marine life. When there is too much iron and it is
not absorbed by the water fish and other marine animals cannot process it. The
iron will build up in their organs and eventually cause death. While we can’t
control the amount of iron that is coming from these vents , we can take it
upon ourselves to better understand this release of iron.
Learn More at:http://www.enn.com/climate/article/46334
Carson, I completely agree with you. I had no idea that iron leaking from the ocean floor could cause so much harm to us if un-controlled. I was aware of the issue of mercury being in our fish but, had no idea that we had to be concerned about iron also. I think if we research this issue like you suggested, it should give us a better understanding on the issue. I think that this is more dangerous than it appears sense it will affect one of our main sources of food, fish. Also, if we eat fish that have too much iron then it could affect our bodies and harm us. I’m glad you brought this issue forward Carson because most people wouldn't think of this as being harmful to humanity.
ReplyDeleteI think that if we can harvest the iron for use that it could turn out to be a good thing. Because we would be using it less iron would be getting into the water and should not harm fish and sea animals. We could even try to use the iron to be energy efficient making it better for the environment. Hopefully we could harvest the iron safely and without harming the people who have to harvest it. Another possibility is that other resources could be coming from the vents. If there is other resources there is even more possibilities to use them.
ReplyDelete