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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Aron Stubbins, Dr Guenther Uher, Professor Robert Upstill-GoddardORCiD
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Sunlight-initiated photolysis of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is the dominant source of carbon monoxide (CO) in the open-ocean. A modelling study was conducted to constrain this source. Spectral solar irradiance was obtained from two models (GCSOLAR and SMARTS2). Water-column CDOM and total light absorption were modelled using spectra collected along a Meridional transect of the Atlantic ocean using a 200-cm pathlength liquid waveguide UV-visible spectrophotometer. Apparent quantum yields for the production of CO (AQYCO) from CDOM were obtained from a parameterisation describing the relationship between CDOM light absorption coefficient and AQYCO and the CDOM spectra collected. The sensitivity of predicted rates to variations in model parameters (solar irradiance, cloud cover, surface-water reflectance, CDOM and whole water light absorbance, and AQYCO) was assessed. The model's best estimate of open-ocean CO photoproduction was 47±7 Tg CO-C yr-1, with lower and upper limits of 38 and 84 Tg CO-C yr-1, as indicated by sensitivity analysis considering variations in AQYs, CDOM absorbance, and spectral irradiance. These results represent significant constraint of open-ocean CO photoproduction at the lower limit of previous estimates. Based on these results, and their extrapolation to total photochemical organic carbon mineralisation, we recommend a downsizing of the role of photochemistry in the open-ocean carbon cycle. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Stubbins A, Uher G, Law CS, Mopper K, Robinson C, Upstill-Goddard RC
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography
Year: 2006
Volume: 53
Issue: 14-16
Pages: 1695-1705
ISSN (print): 0967-0645
ISSN (electronic):
Publisher: Pergamon
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2006.05.011
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2006.05.011
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