SOFeX (Southern Ocean Iron Experiment)

The Southern Ocean Iron Experiment (SOFeX) was a scientific study conducted around 2002 to understand how adding iron to the Southern Ocean affects marine life and carbon dioxide absorption. Researchers deliberately released small amounts of iron into the ocean to stimulate phytoplankton growth, which are tiny plants that absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis. By observing these changes, scientists aimed to learn if iron fertilization could help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The experiment provided insights into the ocean’s role in regulating the Earth's climate and the potential of iron fertilization as a climate mitigation strategy.