Redfield Ratio (Ocean Nutrient Cycling)

Introduction to Redfield Ratio (Ocean Nutrient Cycling)

The Redfield ratio is a ratio of the major nutrients found in the ocean’s water. It describes the relative quantities of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus and is globally stable across oceanic environments. The formula calculates the C:N and P:N ratios, which are essential for understanding ocean nutrient cycling and primary production. In this formula, C represents the carbon content, N represents the nitrogen content, and P represents the phosphorus content in the water.

Parameter usage:

• C= carbon content in the water
• N= nitrogen content in the water
• P= phosphorus content in the water

Example valid values:

• C= 100, N= 16, P= 1

Output:

• C:N ratio= carbon to nitrogen ratio
• P:N ratio= phosphorus to nitrogen ratio

Data validation

The numbers should be greater than zero.

Summary

This formula helps in understanding the ecological dynamics of ocean ecosystems, especially in relation to primary productivity and nutrient cycling.