Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics

by Jorge L. Sarmiento, Nicolas Gruber

Overview

Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics provides a broad theoretical framework upon which graduate students and upper-level undergraduates can formulate an understanding of the processes that control the mean concentration and distribution of biologically utilized elements and compounds in the ocean. Though it is written as a textbook, it will also be of interest to more advanced scientists as a wide-ranging synthesis of our present understanding of ocean biogeochemical processes.


The first two chapters of the book provide an introductory overview of biogeochemical and physical oceanography. The next four chapters concentrate on processes at the air-sea interface, the production of organic matter in the upper ocean, the remineralization of organic matter in the water column, and the processing of organic matter in the sediments. The focus of these chapters is on analyzing the cycles of organic carbon, oxygen, and nutrients.


The next three chapters round out the authors' coverage of ocean biogeochemical cycles with discussions of silica, dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity, and CaCO3. The final chapter discusses applications of ocean biogeochemistry to our understanding of the role of the ocean carbon cycle in interannual to decadal variability, paleoclimatology, and the anthropogenic carbon budget. The problem sets included at the end of each chapter encourage students to ask critical questions in this exciting new field. While much of the approach is mathematical, the math is at a level that should be accessible to students with a year or two of college level mathematics and/or physics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691017075
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	06/09/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	528
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jorge L. Sarmiento is Professor of Geosciences at Princeton University. Nicolas Gruber is Associate Professor of Geophysics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

Preface xi




Chapter 1: Introduction 1

1.1 Chemical Composition of the Ocean 1

1.2 Distribution of Chemicals in the Ocean 7

1.3 Chapter Conclusion and Outline of Book 15

Problems 16





Chapter 2: Tracer Conservation and Ocean Transport 19

2.1 Tracer Conservation Equation 19

Advection and Diffusion Components 19

Application to Box Models 22

2.2 Wind-Driven Circulation 23

Equations of Motion 27

Ekman Transport 28

Gyre Circulation 30

2.3 Wind-Driven Circulation in the Stratified Ocean 33

Basic Concepts 34

Ocean Stratification 34

Geostrophic Equations 37

Gyre Circulation with Stratification 37

Insights from the Potential Vorticity Distribution 38

Insights from Tracers 39

Insights from the Thermal Wind Relationship 42

2.4 Deep Ocean Circulation 46

Observations 46

Models 52

Summary of Deep Ocean Circulation 57

2.5 Time-Varying Flows 59

Mesoscale Variability 60

Interannual to Decadal Variability 61

Tropical Variability 61

Extratropical Variability 66

Problems 69





Chapter 3: Air-Sea Interface 73

3.1 Introduction 73

3.2 Gas Solubilities 75

3.3 Gas Exchange 80

Stagnant Film Model 81

Laboratory Studies 83

Field Studies 86

Gas Transfer Velocity Models 89

3.4 Applications 95

Problems 100





Chapter 4: Organic Matter Production 102

4.1 Introduction 102

Nutrient Supply 105

Light 111

Efficiency of the Biological Pump 111

Outline 114

4.2 Ecosystem Processes 115

Nutrients 115

Composition of Organic Matter 115

Limiting Nutrient 117

Paradigm of Surface Ocean Nitrogen Cycling 117

Phytoplankton 123

Classification of Organisms 123

Phytoplankton Distribution and Productivity 128

Modeling Photosynthesis 131

Zooplankton 135

Bacteria 137

4.3 Analysis of Ecosystem Behavior 138

Role of Light Supply 139

Classical Ecosystem Models 142

N-P Model—Bottom-up Limitation 142

N-P-Z Model—Top-Down Limitation 144

Adding the Microbial Loop 146

Multiple Size Class Ecosystem Models 147

The Model 147

Influence of Micronutrients 149

Applications 150

North Pacific versus North Atlantic 152

Oligotrophic Region 155

4.4 A Synthesis 157

The Regeneration Loop 158

The Export Pathway 158

The Role of Iron 160

Conclusions 162

Problems 168





Chapter 5: Organic Matter Export and Remineralization 173

5.1 Introduction 173

Nutrient and Oxygen Distributions 173

Remineralizaton Reactions 178

Preformed and Remineralized Components 179

Dissolved and Particulate Organic Matter 180

Outline 181

5.2 Oxygen 181

Separation of Preformed and Remineralized Components 181

Deep Ocean Oxygen Utilization Rates 182

Thermocline Oxygen Utilization Rates 183

5.3 Nitrogen and Phosphorus 186

Stoichiometric Ratios 186

Phosphate 188

The Nitrogen Cycle 189

N* as a Tracer of Denitrification 189

N* as a Tracer of N2 Fixation 195

The Oceanic Nitrogen Budget 196

Nitrous Oxide 197

5.4 Organic Matter Cycling 200

Particulate Organic Matter 200

Overview 200

Particle Flux 203

The Role of Ballast 206

Particle Remineralization 207

Models of Particle Interactions 209

Dissolved Organic Matter 211

5.5 Models 215

Model Development 215

Sensitivity Studies 217

Applications: Control of Oceanic Oxygen 221

Problems 222





Chapter 6: Remineralization and Burial in the Sediments 227

6.1 Introduction 227

Observations 227

Sediment Properties and Processes 229

Remineralization Reactions 233

6.2 Sediment Diagenesis Models 236

Pore Waters 237

Solids 241

6.3 Remineralization 245

Oxic Sediments 246

Anoxic Sediments 250

Dissolved Organic Carbon 253

6.4 Burial 255

The Substrate 255

The Oxidant 256

Protection by Mineral Adsorption 257

Synthesis 258

6.5 Organic Matter Budget 260

Problems 267





Chapter 7: Silicate Cycle 270

7.1 Introduction 270

Water Column Observations 271

Sediment Observations 271

Outline 278

7.2 Euphotic Zone 278

Diatoms 278

Opal Production and Export 280

7.3 Water Column 285

Opal 286

Silicic Acid 288

7.4 Sediments 295

Opal Dissolution and Burial 295

Opal Chemistry 299

7.5 Conclusion 308

Overview 308

Marine Si Budget 309

Long-Term Homeostasis 311

Problems 313





Chapter 8: Carbon Cycle 318

8.1 Introduction 319

8.2 Inorganic Carbon Chemistry 322

8.3 The Surface Ocean 327

Annual Mean Distribution 327

Physical Processes 328

Biological Processes 331

Vector Diagrams 334

Seasonal Variability 335

Subtropical Gyres 337

North Atlantic 340

North Pacific 341

8.4 Water Column 342

Outline 342

Pump Components 342

The Biological Pumps 345

The Gas Exchange Pump 347

Global Mean 347

Atlantic versus Pacific 349

8.5 Carbon Pumps and Surface Fluxes 352

Problems 355





Chapter 9: Calcium Carbonate Cycle 359

9.1 Introduction 359

9.2 Production 362

Organisms 362

Export Estimates 363

Inorganic-to-Organic Carbon Export Ratio 363

9.3 Water Column Processes 365

CaCO3 Solubility 365

Variations in Saturation State 368

Carbonate Ion Distribution 368

Water Column Dissolution 371

9.4 Diagenesis 374

CaCO3 Dissolution in Sediments 374

Modeling CaCO3 Diagenesis 379

Model Applications 379

Concluding Remarks 384

9.5 Calcium Carbonate Compensation 384

CaCO3 Homeostat 384

CaCO3 Compensation 386

Problems 389





Chapter 10: Carbon Cycle, CO2, and Climate 392

10.1 Introduction 392

Greenhouse Effect 394

Global Warming 396

Outline 398

10.2 The Anthropogenic Perturbation 399

Capacity Constraints 400

Buffering by Dissolved Carbonate 400

Buffering by Sediment CaCO3 401

Buffering by Weathering 402

Kinetic Constraints 402

Atmospheric Pulse Response 402

Ocean Uptake and Buffering with Dissolved Carbonate 403

Buffering by Sediment CaCO3 405

Anthropogenic CO2 Uptake 405

Direct Estimation 406

Reconstruction of Anthropogenic CO2 Inventory 408

The Atmospheric Oxygen Method 413

The Role of Biology 414

Future CO2 Uptake 415

10.3 Interannual to Decadal Timescale Variability 417

Tropical Variability 419

Extratropical Variability 423

10.4 Glacial-Interglacial Atmospheric CO2 Changes 429

Setting the Scene 431

Terrestrial Biosphere Carbon Loss 431

Salinity Changes 432

Temperature Changes 434

Fundamental Mechanisms 435

Southern Ocean Dominance 435

Equilibration of Low-Latitude Changes 436

Closing the Southern Ocean Window 440

Physical Mechanisms 442

Biological Mechanisms 443

Observational Constraints 444

A Role for the Regions outside the Southern Ocean? 446

Circulation Scenarios 447

Soft-Tissue Pump Scenarios 447

Alkalinity and Carbonate Pump Scenarios 449

A Synthesis Scenario 452

Problems 454





Appendix 459

References 461

Index 495

What People are Saying About This

Boyle

Global ocean research projects during the past two decades have resulted in explosive growth in our knowledge of ocean biogeochemistry. Sarmiento and Gruber's book crystallizes this knowledge into a systematic quantitative treatise. For many years to come, this observation—and equation-filled volume will serve as a window into the literature on many subjects, a textbook for our classes, and a reference book on our desks. Studied carefully, it could teach chemical, biological, and physical oceanographers to speak a common language.
— Edward A. Boyle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ralph Keeling

The Sarmiento and Gruber text is a very impressive achievement, providing a readable yet advanced treatise on ocean biogeochemistry and providing the best available summary of the advances of the last few decades. The emphasis on dynamics is highly relevant for studies of global change, while the emphasis on problem solving has yielded an invaluable teaching reference.
— Ralph Keeling, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

From the Publisher

"Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics is an outstanding text for student and professional alike. The authors have developed an exceptionally lucid yet detailed discussion of the major biogeochemical cycles in the oceans, culminating in a quantitative examination of climate change and the contemporary carbon cycle. The book is a tour de force that should be incorporated into all marine chemistry and biogeochemistry courses."—Paul Falkowski, Rutgers University

"Global ocean research projects during the past two decades have resulted in explosive growth in our knowledge of ocean biogeochemistry. Sarmiento and Gruber's book crystallizes this knowledge into a systematic quantitative treatise. For many years to come, this observation—and equation-filled volume will serve as a window into the literature on many subjects, a textbook for our classes, and a reference book on our desks. Studied carefully, it could teach chemical, biological, and physical oceanographers to speak a common language."—Edward A. Boyle, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"With this book, ocean biogeochemistry—the fascinating science behind the cycling of elements in the sea, and their transformation by biological, chemical, and physical properties—has finally found its theoretical underpinning. The two authors, both world experts, have succeeded in bringing together in a comprehensive and unified way the mass of information from the different scientific disciplines as well as the numerous observations obtained over the last few decades. This book will serve as the ultimate reference, both for students and the advanced research scientist, for many years to come."—Martin Heimann, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

"The Sarmiento and Gruber text is a very impressive achievement, providing a readable yet advanced treatise on ocean biogeochemistry and providing the best available summary of the advances of the last few decades. The emphasis on dynamics is highly relevant for studies of global change, while the emphasis on problem solving has yielded an invaluable teaching reference."—Ralph Keeling, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Sarmiento and Gruber have cleverly found the middle ground between the "educated layman" approach so often typified in "soft sciences" and the stultifying rigor that cloaks the conceptual simplicity underlying many of the foundations of the field. They don't shy away from mathematical explanations but rather use them to make their points succinctly, and to clarify what is often a confused muddle in more basic texts."—W.J. Jenkins, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Paul Falkowski

Ocean Biogeochemical Dynamics is an outstanding text for student and professional alike. The authors have developed an exceptionally lucid yet detailed discussion of the major biogeochemical cycles in the oceans, culminating in a quantitative examination of climate change and the contemporary carbon cycle. The book is a tour de force that should be incorporated into all marine chemistry and biogeochemistry courses.
— Paul Falkowski, Rutgers University

W.J. Jenkins

Sarmiento and Gruber have cleverly found the middle ground between the "educated layman" approach so often typified in "soft sciences" and the stultifying rigor that cloaks the conceptual simplicity underlying many of the foundations of the field. They don't shy away from mathematical explanations but rather use them to make their points succinctly, and to clarify what is often a confused muddle in more basic texts.
— W.J. Jenkins, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Martin Heimann

With this book, ocean biogeochemistry—the fascinating science behind the cycling of elements in the sea, and their transformation by biological, chemical, and physical properties—has finally found its theoretical underpinning. The two authors, both world experts, have succeeded in bringing together in a comprehensive and unified way the mass of information from the different scientific disciplines as well as the numerous observations obtained over the last few decades. This book will serve as the ultimate reference, both for students and the advanced research scientist, for many years to come.
— Martin Heimann, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

Editorial Reviews

"This textbook is a monumental and masterful achievement, and the authors should be congratulated both for taking on this important task and for the end result. . . . Every serious student and post-doc in this discipline, and all senior practitioners, should purchase or borrow a copy of this book and read it from cover to cover."—-David M. Karl, Bulletin of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography

"Readers of Environmental Conservation with an interest in marine biogeochemistry and earth system science are encouraged to purchase or borrow this book. It is a comprehensive text on a complex and timely topic, and is one that will enlighten students and professionals alike. The authors are to be congratulated on their tour-de-force."—-Peter Burkill, Environmental Conservation

From the Publisher

Readers of Environmental Conservation with an interest in marine biogeochemistry and earth system science are encouraged to purchase or borrow this book. It is a comprehensive text on a complex and timely topic, and is one that will enlighten students and professionals alike. The authors are to be congratulated on their tour-de-force.

Environmental Conservation - Peter Burkill

This textbook is a monumental and masterful achievement, and the authors should be congratulated both for taking on this important task and for the end result. . . . Every serious student and post-doc in this discipline, and all senior practitioners, should purchase or borrow a copy of this book and read it from cover to cover.

Bulletin of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography - David M. Karl

Readers of Environmental Conservation with an interest in marine biogeochemistry and earth system science are encouraged to purchase or borrow this book. It is a comprehensive text on a complex and timely topic, and is one that will enlighten students and professionals alike. The authors are to be congratulated on their tour-de-force.
— Peter Burkill

Environmental Conservation

This textbook is a monumental and masterful achievement, and the authors should be congratulated both for taking on this important task and for the end result. . . . Every serious student and post-doc in this discipline, and all senior practitioners, should purchase or borrow a copy of this book and read it from cover to cover.
— David M. Karl

Bulletin of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography