Concentration of atmospheric and oceanic carbon dioxide in the Southern Ocean in summer 2009/2010

Atmospheric and oceanic carbon dioxide in the marine boundary layer was monitored from November 26 to January 20 by the Gas Chromatography and the Non-Dispersive Infrared Analyser along the cruise track of R/V Polarstern from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Wellington, New Zealand, carrying out the expedition in the Southern Ocean. The air inlet to the instrument was located at ca. 30 m asl and the sea water inlet to the instrument was located at 7 m depth.

Underway measurement of CO2 in the surface ocean and the air above enables us to estimate ocean uptake and emission of CO2 in global scale. Accurate assessment of the sea–air CO2 flux and its time–space variability is important information for the improvement of our understanding of the global carbon cycle and the prognosis for the future atmospheric CO2 concentration and future enviromental change.