TITLE:
Surface Mixed Layer Profile of Physical and Biogeochemical Variables in the Subpolar North-West and -East Atlantic Ocean: A Data-Model Comparison Study
AUTHORS:
Nsikak U. Benson, Francis E. Asuquo, Oladele O. Osibanjo, Usoro M. Etesin, Adebusayo E. Adedapo
KEYWORDS:
Mixed Layer Profile, pCO2, Ocean Circulation Model, Model Validation, North Atlantic Ocean
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Marine Science,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
9,
2015
ABSTRACT: This paper presents a
study of physical and biogeochemical variables using numerical model and mixed
layer oceanographic data from a 2 - 3 yearin
situmeasurements in the Northwestern and Northeastern sites of the Atlantic
Ocean. Model outputs are presented and indicated that very good estimates may
be obtained. The outputs showed considerable agreement in reproducing seasonal
distributions ofpCO2,pCO2-T,pCO2-nonT,
mixed layer temperature, and chlorophyll-ain both winter and summer, and
therefore provide useful physical and theoretical understanding of their
biogeochemistry. The modelpCO2indicated
a distinct temporal variability with seasonal changes coinciding with the
change in sea surface temperature. It also provides an agreement that there is
a strong seasonal cycle of mixed layer parameters filliped by nonthermal and
physical factors. As an outgrowth of this work, thepCO2model outputs affirm the North
Atlantic Ocean capacity as an important oceanographic sink for anthropogenic
carbon dioxide.