Investigation of O2, NO3-, and associated parameters as indicators of Canadian Basin Deep Water ventilation (original) (raw)

2010

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ventilation of Canadian Basin Deep Waters (CBDW) may provide a mechanism to export and preserve organic matter in the Arctic Ocean. Ventilation mechanisms of CBDW, however, are not fully understood. Multiple age models suggest CBDW ages of 300 -500 years. These ages may represent a single renewal event 500 years ago, a steady state average, indicative of ongoing ventilation processes, or a combination of past renewal and a possible recent cessation or decrease in the renewal of Canadian Basin Deep Water (CBDW). Past ventilation of CBDW may have been allowed by cooler, more dense, Atlantic waters. Current potential sources to CBDW include brine rejection during sea ice formation or prospective inputs from the Eurasian Basin via the Makarov Basin. This work examines utilization of O2 and NO3- data to identify markers of CBDW ventilation. Parameters investigated also include the calculated values of apparent oxygen utilization (AOU), NO (NO = 9NO3- + O2), and preformed NO3-. Calculation of conservative NO and preformed NO3- provide indicators of potential distinctive water mass sources along isopycnal surfaces across the Basin. Interannual comparisons allow evaluation of potentially differing source water mass signatures in different years. Application of this method is performed based on data from Louis S. St.-Laurent cruises from 2003 - 2009. Determination of CBDW ventilation is important to assess opportunities for carbon sequestration in the Arctic resulting from climate change, modification of spatial and temporal sea ice extent, and potential primary productivity shifts in the Arctic.

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