Physical and biological forcing of mesoscale variability in the carbonate system of the Ross Sea (Antarctica) during summer 2014

摘要: Abstract Water samples (0–200 m) were collected in a coastal area of the Ross Sea January 2014 to evaluate physical and biological forcing on carbonate system at mesoscale (distance between stations 5–10 km). Remote sensing supported determination sampling strategy helped positioning each station. Total alkalinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, phytoplankton pigments composition investigated combination with measurements temperature, salinity current speed. inorganic carbon, sea water CO 2 partial pressure saturation state (Ω) for calcite aragonite calculated from measured total alkalinity pH. In addition, continuous atmospheric concentration completed. LADCP revealed presence significant change speed direction that corresponded clearly defined front characterized by gradients both temperature salinity. Phytoplankton biomass was relatively high all highest values chlorophyll-a found 20 50 m, dominant taxonomic group being haptophyceae. The properties surface waters exhibited variability horizontal length scale about 10 km. Sea-ice melt, through input low water, results dilution carbon , but our observations suggest activity major distribution variables. Higher 3 − Ω pH layer where observed. Δ p pattern follows MODIS data situ measurements, estimated fluxes ranged –0.5 ± 0.4 –31.0 ± 6.4 mmol m − 2  d − 1 . large range observed is due spatial episodic winds experienced.