Variations in Oceanic CO2 Concentration, Transport, and Divergence in the Atlantic

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT OCE-0223421 This investigation will focus on the Atlantic, where a large number of the newly available repeat hydrographic transects which included carbon measurements were performed, to study temporal variations in total inorganic carbon and anthropogenic carbon concentrations and the effects these changes could have on oceanic uptake, transport and storage. Since the carbon cycle is intimately related to the cycles of other properties within the ocean, other available hydrographic variables such as temperature, salinity, oxygen, phosphate, silicate, and alkalinity will be included in the study. Specifically, this project will Provide a physical consistent circulation of the entire Atlantic including transports of total Inorganic Carbon and all other available properties. Estimate anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) transport and storage throughout the basin. Describe temporal variations in the carbon cycle within the Atlantic as provided by early 1990's and late 1990's models. Determine the validity of the a mean state solution in terms of these changes Compare CO2 and anthropogenic CO2 divergences to the estimates of CO2 air-sea flux of Takahashi. Compare CO2 and anthropogenic CO2 results to the CO2 model comparison currently being performed at NCAR (S.Doney personal communication). This project is contribution to NSF Integrated Carbon Cycle Research Program.