Utilizing the Drake Passage Time-series to understand variability and change in subpolar Southern Ocean <i>p</i> CO ₂

Summary

This paper analyses 15 years of observational data from the Drake Passage Time-series to characterise spatial and temporal patterns of surface pCO₂ variability in the subpolar Southern Ocean. The work establishes the Drake Passage as representative of the broader Southern Ocean region, providing essential observational constraints on ocean carbon cycling in a chronically under-sampled but biogeochemically critical region that accounts for a disproportionate share of global anthropogenic carbon uptake. The findings support improved understanding of regional carbon dynamics and their role in climate system variability.

UK applicability

This oceanographic study of Southern Ocean carbon cycling has limited direct applicability to UK farming systems or agricultural practice. However, the findings contribute to global climate science understanding relevant to UK climate policy, carbon accounting frameworks, and long-term climate projections that inform agricultural adaptation planning.

Key measures

Surface partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂), seasonal cycles, interannual variability, long-term trends in the Southern Ocean

Outcomes reported

The study characterised seasonal cycles, interannual variability, and long-term trends in surface partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂) in the subpolar Southern Ocean using the Drake Passage Time-series dataset (2002–2017). The analysis evaluated whether the Drake Passage region serves as a representative indicator of broader Southern Ocean carbon cycling dynamics.

Topic tags