Implications of a changing Arctic on summertime rates of air-sea CO2 exchange within the eastern Canadian Arctic
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Date
2015
Authors
Burgers, Tonya
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Abstract
The Arctic marine system is currently undergoing transition as a result of climate change. This study examines the effects of this transition on rates of air-sea CO2 exchange within the eastern Canadian Arctic. Continuous seawater pCO2 measurements revealed this area to be a strong summertime sink of atmospheric CO2. Total alkalinity and stable oxygen isotopes were utilized as freshwater tracers, revealing areas of significant sea ice melt and riverine inputs. Eastern Baffin Bay and Barrow Strait were found to be strongly influenced by sea ice melt, lowering seawater pCO2; whereas Kennedy Channel contained significant river discharge, raising seawater pCO2. Primary production in surface waters was low throughout the region, with the exception of Petermann Fjord where glacial ice melt likely transports nutrients to the surface. This region is anticipated to represent a weaker CO2 sink in the future, due mainly to predicted decreases in sea ice thickness and extent.
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Keywords
Arctic Ocean, Seawater carbonate chemistry, Freshwater, Air-Sea Exchange, CO2