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Modeling seasonal changes of atmospheric carbon dioxide and carbon 13

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

A two-dimensional (latitude-altitude) model of atmospheric CO/sub 2/ and delta/sup 13/C was constructed to simulate some features of seasonal carbon cycle fluctuations. The model simulates air-sea exchange, atmospheric diffusion, and fossil fuel carbon sources, which are functions of time and latitude. In addition, it uses biosphere-atmosphere fluxes of carbon that are based on global-scale biological models of vegetation growth and decay. Results of the model show fair agreement with observational results for CO/sub 2/ and delta/sup 13/C seasonal fluctuations. Their model results have far northern fluctuations with smaller amplitudes than are observed. Analysis of sources of CO/sub 2/ change at given latitudes shows that, for far southern latitudes, southern hemisphere biospheric fluxes are dominant in affecting the seasonal CO/sub 2/ fluctuations. Long-term decrease of delta/sup 13/C for the model is larger than for observations. This may be due to errors in the formulation for oceanic fluxes for /sup 13/C in the model or to a net uptake of carbon by the biosphere.

Research Organization:
NOAA Air Resources Lab., Boulder, CO
OSTI ID:
6900274
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 91:D4; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English