Seasonal cycles of the carbon export flux in the ocean: insights from the SISSOMA mechanistic model

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the seasonal cycle of carbon export flux in the ocean using the SISSOMA modeling framework. SISSOMA uses a 2-dimensional state space (size and excess density) to follow the fate of aggregates in the mixed layer which are transformed through three main processes, e.g., aggregation, fragmentation, and remineralization, until they eventually sink out of the surface ocean. The model tracks aggregate size, mass, and porosity which allows for a direct estimate of aggregate sinking speed through a Reynolds number modified Stokes' law. First, a simple seasonal cycle with a single peak of POM production is presented, which provides a solid basis to understand the model's framework and enables us to perform sensitivity analyses on important parameters. The effect of increased stratification on a reconstructed ecosystem in the north Atlantic is then presented and discussed. Overall, our results showcase the nonlinear relationship between the production of primary particles and the export of aggregates out of the mixed layer and unveil key mechanics of the three transformative processes. Moreover, it has been shown that remineralization rates, stickiness, and the size/ excess density characteristics of the primary particles all affect in various ways the intensity, seasonal cycle, and the resulting size spectrum of the aggregate community. Finally, our results indicate the crucial role that turbulence plays in both the timing and the magnitude of the carbon export flux which might affect not only the potential of the system to remove carbon out of the mixed layer but also have a direct impact on the organisms inhabiting the mesopelagic layer which rely on the sinking particles to cover their energetic needs.