On the physical and biogeochemical processes driving the high frequency variability of CO2 fugacity at 6°S, 10°W: Potential role of the internal waves. Issue 12 (4th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parard, Gaëlle; Boutin, J.; Cuypers, Y.; Bouruet‐Aubertot, P.; Caniaux, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 119:Issue 12(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 8357
• Page End: 8374
• Publication Date: 2014-12-04
• Subjects: Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1002/2014JC009965
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9275

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The availability of nutrients in the mixed layer is the main limitation to organic carbon biological production in the tropical regions. In this paper, we investigate the potential role of internal waves at promoting the development of biological activity on a PIRATA mooring at 6°S, 10°W. This mooring is located above the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge where we observe strong internal waves. Using a one‐dimensional physical and biogeochemical coupled model, we simulate dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Providing the influence of vertical advection and turbulent diapycnal diffusivity are (it is vertical advection + turbulent dipycnal mixing) accounted for, we find that this model provides a good fit with observed in situ CO₂ fugacity (fCO₂). Main effect of internal waves is to rapidly increase the DIC, thus the fCO₂ and the nutrients in the mixed layer. The latter induce progressive development of biological activity leading to gradual DIC decrease. Our study highlights the importance of correctly taking into account the effect of internal waves in tropical regions.</p> </abstract>