Anthropogenic carbon distribution in the eastern South pacific ocean

Abstract

We present results of the CO2/carbonate system from the BIOSOPE cruise in the Eastern South Pacific Ocean, in an area not sampled previously. In particular, we present estimates of the anthropogenic carbon (CTrOCA ant ) distribution in the upper 1000m of this region using the TrOCA method. The highest concentrations of CTrOCA ant found around 13° S,132°W and 32° S, 91°W, are higher than 80μmol.kg-1 and 70μmol.kg-1, respectively. The lowest concentrations are observed below 800m depth (2μmol.kg-1) and within the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ), mainly around 140°W (<11μmol.kg-1). As a result of the anthropogenic carbon penetration there has been decrease in pH by over 0.1 on an average in the upper 200 m. This work further improves our understanding on the penetration of anthropogenic carbon in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. © Author(s) 2009.