Inter-Ocean Exchange of Biogeochemical Tracers

The deep ocean acts a huge reservoir for several biogeochemical components. The role of the ocean currents in the cycling in these elements is however not yet fully quantified. Here we investigate the exchange of biogeochemical tracers between the ocean basins by the use of a global coupled physical-biogeochemical model. Stream functions of the biogeochemical tracers are computed in order to detangle the effects of mixed layer dynamics and the global thermohaline circulation on the cycling of these tracers. A special focus is drawn to the carbon cycle and the interplay of the ocean circulation with the biological pump and the CO₂ exchange with the atmosphere.