A vertical gradient of nitrous oxide below the subsurface of the Canada Basin and its formation mechanisms. Issue 3 (30th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhan, Liyang; Chen, Liqi; Zhang, Jiexia; Li, Yuhong
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 120:Issue 3(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 2401
• Page End: 2411
• Publication Date: 2015-03-30
• Subjects: Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1002/2014JC010337
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9275

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The ocean is regarded as a significant source of N₂O, which is an ozone‐depleting greenhouse gas. However, the contribution of the Arctic Ocean to the global N₂O budget is not yet known. Herein, the first observations of N₂O concentrations in the Canada Basin (CB) and Greenland Sea Basin (GSB) are presented. A correlation between the historic atmospheric N₂O record and N₂O concentrations at the corresponding depth in the GSB suggests that the N₂O distribution pattern is dominated by air‐sea exchanges and hydrographic processes in this region. The consistency between the observed N₂O concentrations in the CB and calculated results based on the above correlation suggest that the N₂O concentrations in the CB are most likely dominated by N₂O dynamics and subsequent hydrographic processes in the sea adjacent to the GSB. The N₂O concentration in the Canada Basin Intermediate Water (CBIW) reflects anthropogenic influences, whereas the N₂O concentration in the Canada Basin Deep Water (CBDW) suggests that the CBDW may be a preindustrial "relict."</p> </abstract>