Randomized trial identifies how subglacial lake discharge affects dissolved organic carbon in the Ross Sea, suggesting key implications for carbon cycling.
Key Points
This research aims to understand the sources and cycling of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the Ross Sea.
Measured radiocarbon and stable carbon isotope contents of DOC and dissolved inorganic carbon in the Little America Basin.
Analyzed carbon isotope values to assess vertical mixing and primary productivity.
Used a Keeling plot to determine the relationship between DOC radiocarbon contents and concentrations.
Surface DOC was found to be older than deeper waters, with ages from 5,100 to 7,400 years.
Presence of DOC with a 14C age greater than 10,000 years in surface waters was observed.
A positive linear correlation was noted in the Keeling plot, contrary to global ocean trends.