Reduced CO2 uptake and growing nutrient sequestration from slowing overturning circulation

Liu, Y.; Moore, J. K.; Primeau, F.; Wang, W. L.

doi:10.1038/s41558-022-01555-7

Reduced CO₂ uptake and growing nutrient sequestration from slowing overturning circulation

Journal Article · Thu Dec 22 00:00:00 EST 2022 · Nature Climate Change

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-022-01555-7· OSTI ID:2242376

^[1]; ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[3]

University of California, Irvine, CA (United States); University of California, Irvine
University of California, Irvine, CA (United States)
Xiamen University (China)

Current Earth system models (ESMs) project dramatic slowing (28–42% by 2100) of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and Southern Meridional Overturning Circulation (SMOC) across a range of climate scenarios, with a complete shutdown of SMOC possible by year 2300. Slowing meridional overturning circulation (MOC) differentially impacts the ocean biological and solubility carbon pumps, leaving the net impact on ocean carbon uptake uncertain. Here using a suite of ESMs, we show that slowing MOC reduces anthropogenic carbon uptake by the solubility pump but increases deep-ocean storage of carbon and nutrients by the biological pump. The net effect reduces ocean uptake of anthropogenic CO₂. The deep-ocean nutrient sequestration will increasingly depress global-scale, marine net primary production over time. As a result, MOC slowdown represents a positive feedback that could extend or intensify peak-warmth climate conditions on multi-century timescales.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: University of California, Irvine, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0016539; SC0021267; SC0022177

OSTI ID:: 2242376

Journal Information:: Nature Climate Change, Journal Name: Nature Climate Change Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 13; ISSN 1758-678X

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Figures / Tables (6)

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58 GEOSCIENCES
Biogeochemistry
Biological Pump
Carbon uptake
Climate Change
MOC
Meridional Overturning Circulation
Ocean sciences