Manganese in surface waters of the Atlantic Ocean

A map of the surface water distribution of manganese in the Atlantic Ocean has been created using 494 data points. Most of these data have been reported in the literature previously, though 93 new analyses are included. Despite this amount of data, many regions of the Atlantic have sparse coverage including much of the South Atlantic. In general the map conforms with previous conclusions regarding the input and removal of Mn in surface ocean waters. Highest concentrations are seen in coastal regions and areas affected by aeolian input; lowest concentrations are observed in high latitude regions. Although some advective features are seen, the lack of stronger advective signatures suggests that the Mn surface ocean residence time is likely close to the low end of the range of previous estimates (i.e., on the order of a few years).