As scientists observe the force of nature through a satellite weather tracker, they only see the day’s events.
As scientists observe the force of nature through a satellite weather tracker, they only see the day’s events. To observe the long-term atmospheric influence, University of Cincinnati geologists are taking research a step further by tracking and measuring the distribution of sulfur in plants in the Caribbean island of Trinidad.
A new study out of the University of Cincinnati suggests that coastal proximity, rain and prevailing wind direction can all influence the distribution of marine sulfur on land. While science has known for decades that sulfur is a useful method for tracking diet and mobility, UC researchers say the combined effects of wind and precipitation like rain and ocean spray hasn't been fully investigated before.
Their results, also aligning closely with patterns reported for soils and precipitation in the Mediterranean and Pacific Islands, demonstrate that plants in coastal settings are utilizing marine-derived sulfur.
Read more at University of Cincinnati
Photo: Trinidad's powerful winds and precipitation blow in over the eastern windward coast spreading marine-derived sulfur further inland than western coasts with leeward winds coming from across the island. CREDIT: Brooke Crowley
