Oceanic sinks for atmospheric CO2: Role of phytoplankton

Biological processes in the oceans that affect the partitioning of CO2 between the atmosphere and oceans relation to the carbon cycle, especially behavior or organic matters are described. The Operation of the biological pump in the oceans is responsible for maintaining CO2 levels in the atmosphere...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBulletin of Plankton Society of Japan (Japan) Vol. 48; no. 1
Main Authors Suzuki, Y. (Shizuoka Univ. (Japan). Faculty of Science), Onishi, Y, Fujii, M
Format Journal Article
LanguageJapanese
Published 01.02.2001
Subjects
ABSORPTION
CARBON DIOXIDE
MARINE ENVIRONMENT
PHYTOPLANKTON
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Summary:Biological processes in the oceans that affect the partitioning of CO2 between the atmosphere and oceans relation to the carbon cycle, especially behavior or organic matters are described. The Operation of the biological pump in the oceans is responsible for maintaining CO2 levels in the atmosphere less than 200ppm if there were no biological pump. However, the role of the biological pump in the sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 is not clear with arguments varying from a minor role to major role in the sequestrating of CO2. To increase the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 by the marine biota requires either increasing new production or delaying the remineralization of organic matter with a high C/N raio. Much more important subject is to make clear the balancing between inorganic and organic systems in the upper ocean.
Bibliography:M40
P10
2002005611
ISSN:0387-8961