Glacial interglacial variations in the natural iron fertilization during the low sea ice periods along the eastern continental margin of Antarctica.

The Southern Ocean sequesters atmospheric CO through biological pumps, though its driving factors are debated. Modern productivity is regulated by natural iron fertilization from micronutrient influx through dust, regeneration, and Antarctic glaciers and sea ice melting (ice melt). The productivity along the eastern Antarctic continental margin was low during the last glacial period and gradually increased through the deglacial to Late Holocene, marked by distinct productivity peaks.