The high-latitude ocean as a control of Atmospheric CO2
Publisher DOI
Abstract
It is suggested that the rapid natural atmospheric CO2 variations during and at the end of the last glaciation which are indicated by ice core studies may have been caused by changes in the high-latitude oceans, particularly in the Antarctic. Concentrations of nutrients (N, P) in surface water are near zero in large ocean areas, but relatively high in high-latitude oceans. A circulation change could lead to more complete nutrient utilization and thus to a lower pCO2 of surface waters in these regions. Possible changes are discussed, and their effects on atmospheric CO2 concentrations, carbon isotope ratios and dissolved oxygen in the deep sea are estimated by means of a simple box model. Time-dependent calculations show that after a sudden change of circulation rate, the atmospheric CO2 concentration would approach its new steady state value with a relaxation time of about 200 years.
Date Issued
1985
Publication Type
Book Section
Subject(s)
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Wenk, T. | |
Siegenthaler, U. |
Editor(s)
Sundquist, E. T. | |
Broecker, W. S. |
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
ISSN
0065-8448
ISBN
0-87590-060-7
Access(Rights)
restricted