VARIABILITY OF INORGANIC CARBON SYSTEM IN THE SOUTHWESTERN EAST/JAPAN SEA

Abstract

Distributions of dissolved inorganic carbon, total alkalinity, pH, and other parameters relevant to the inorganic carbon system were investigated seasonally in the mid-east coast of the Korea. Wind-driven coastal upwelling is a key driver for changes in the inorganic carbon system in this region. Here we examine the seasonal variability in concentrations of inorganic carbon parameters and saturation state of seawater with respect to aragonite and calcite and the effect of coastal upwelling on these changes. Sea-air carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes are also determined based on monthly surface carbon measurements to check whether this coastal area acts as a sink or source for atmospheric CO2.or changes in the inorganic carbon system in this region. Here we examine the seasonal variability in concentrations of inorganic carbon parameters and saturation state of seawater with respect to aragonite and calcite and the effect of coastal upwelling on these changes. Sea-air carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes are also determined based on monthly surface carbon measurements to check whether this coastal area acts as a sink or source for atmospheric CO2.