Carbonate system in the Cabo Frio upwelling

Area of Science:

• Marine Chemistry
• Oceanography
• Climate Science

Background:

• The quantitative assessment of marine carbonate systems is vital for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Ocean acidification poses a significant challenge to marine ecosystems and global sustainability.
• Upwelling systems are sensitive indicators of climate variability and its impact on ocean chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of the carbonate system in the Cabo Frio upwelling region.
• To determine the influence of El Niño and La Niña phenomena on the carbonate system and ocean acidification.
• To provide original data on carbonate chemistry influenced by regional oceanographic processes.

Main Methods:

• Physical characterization using wind speed and sea surface temperature data.
• Collection and analysis of water samples for key carbonate system parameters (pH, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon, etc.).
• Thermodynamic modeling using the Marine Chemical Analysis (AQM) program.

Main Results:

• Bicarbonate and dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations were quantified, with higher bicarbonate levels potentially driving higher DIC.
• Calcite and aragonite saturation states, along with carbonate concentrations, were elevated at the surface.
• Mean pH values showed minimal variation between day and night samples.

Conclusions:

• The Cabo Frio upwelling area exhibits distinct carbonate system dynamics influenced by climate oscillations.
• El Niño and La Niña phenomena significantly impact sea surface temperature and, consequently, ocean acidification processes.
• This research provides critical data for understanding and managing marine carbonate systems in the context of climate change.