Global Ocean Carbon Cycle Modeling

Abstract

One of the central objectives of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) is to use data from the extensive field effort to improve and evaluate numerical ocean carbon cycle models. Substantial improvements are required in the current suite of numerical models if we are to understand better the present ocean biogeochemical state, hindcast historical and paleoclimate variability, and predict potential future responses to anthropogenic perturbations. Significant progress has been made in this regard, and even greater strides are expected over the next decade as the synthesis of the JGOFS data sets are completed and disseminated to the scientific community. The goals of this chapter are to outline the role of modeling in ocean carbon cycle research, review the status of basin to global-scale modeling, and highlight major problems, challenges, and future directions.