Ocean uptake of carbon dioxide
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- Columbia Univ., Palisades, NY (United States). Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Factors controlling the capacity of the ocean for taking up anthropogenic C0{sup 2} include carbon chemistry, distribution of alkalinity, pCO{sup 2} and total concentration of dissolved C0{sup 2}, sea-air pCO{sup 2} difference, gas exchange rate across the sea-air interface, biological carbon pump, ocean water circulation and mixing, and dissolution of carbonate in deep sea sediments. A general review of these processes is given and models of ocean-atmosphere system based on our understanding of these regulating processes axe used to estimate the magnitude of C0{sup 2} uptake by the ocean. We conclude that the ocean can absorb up to 35% of the fossil fuel emission. Direct measurements show that 55% Of C0{sup 2} from fossil fuel burning remains in the atmosphere. The remaining 10% is not accounted for by atmospheric increases and ocean uptake. In addition, it is estimated that an amount equivalent to 30% of recent annual fossil fuel emissions is released into the atmosphere as a result of deforestation and farming. To balance global carbon budget, a sizable carbon sink besides the ocean is needed. Storage of carbon in terrestrial biosphere as a result of C0{sup 2} fertilization is a potential candidate for such missing carbon sinks.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 10159243
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930830--17; ON: DE93012967
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Oceanic uptake of fossil fuel CO sub 2 : Carbon-13 evidence
The Oceanic Sink for Anthropogenic CO2
Related Subjects
010900
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120
540320
ACID NEUTRALIZING CAPACITY
AIR-WATER INTERACTIONS
CALCIUM CARBONATES
CARBON 12
CARBON 14
CARBON CYCLE
CARBON DIOXIDE
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMICALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
COMBUSTION
DISSOLVED GASES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
FOSSIL FUELS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
SEAS
SEDIMENTS
SORPTION