GFI/BCCR Seminar: Using autonomous 13C measurements in the North Atlantic to identify patterns and driving factors of the upper ocean carbon cycle

Meike Becker (GFI):

Using autonomous 13C measurements in the North Atlantic to identify patterns and driving factors of the upper ocean carbon cycle

Abstract
Understanding the variability within the seasonal cycle of the carbon system in the North Atlantic is often limited by properly distinguishing the influences from air-sea gas exchange, primary production, respiration and mixing processes. We need to improve our quantitative description of these processes, but we also need to improve our understanding of what actually happens in the surface ocean at which time of the year. Combining continuous measurements of stable carbon isotope ratios of CO2 with a discrete sampling program (nutrients, DIC/TA, POM, DOC, Chl a, 13C(POC)) on a Voluntary Observing Ship can be a good tool for this.