Different oceanic features of anthropogenic CO_2 and CFCs

摘要

The relationship between CFC-11 and anthropogenic CO_2 (ΔDIC_(ant)) concentrations in the world ocean are evaluated based on a simple off-line tracer ventilation model. Since the different solubility characteristics of CFC-11 and ΔDIC_(ant) cause major differences in their oceanic uptake features, indicating different uptake pathways, a care should be taken while assessing ΔDIC_(ant) in the oceans relying on CFC-11 concentrations. Evidence will be provided that CFC-11 storage occurs mainly in colder, high latitude regions, whereas the warmer, low latitude regions of the world ocean play an important role in both storing and absorbing anthropogenic CO_2. This can be caused by an increased CO_2 uptake or by a reduced CO_2 release to the atmosphere at lower latitudes, both as a result of increasing atmospheric CO_2 concentrations.