The Carbon Dioxide System in the Ocean

Abstract

It is explained by the law of the ionic dissociation equilibrium that in the carbon dioxide system in sea water not only the bicarbonate ion content prevails among others (=90%), but also it is nearly constant especially in deep layers (94%). In the next place, in order to clarify the carbon dioxide system in the ocean, taking into consideration the effects of biological production and decay as well as dissolution and precipitation of calcium carbonate, the theoretical relations between the carbon dioxide system and biological processes are deduced. As to the ratio between calcium content and carbonate alkalinity, it is concluded from the theoretical view point that it is not constant but varies widely. The discussion is done by using the observed date obtained during the Antipode 15 Expedition and others. The results show that there is a good agreement between observation and theory. © 1976, Japan Meteorological Agency. All rights reserved.