Abstract. Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) is known as a long-term sink for anthropogenic CO2 (Cant), but the sink is hardly quantified because of the scarcity of observations, specifically at an interannual scale. We present in this paper an original dataset combining 40 years of carbonate system observations in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (Enderby Basin) to evaluate and interpret the interannual variability of Cant in the AABW. This investigation is based on regular observations collected at the same location (63∘ E–56.5∘ S) in the framework of the French observatory OISO from 1998 to 2018 extended by GEOSECS and INDIGO observations (1978, 1985 and 1987). At this location the main sources of AABW sampled is the low-salinity Cape Darnley Bottom Water (CDBW) and the Weddell Sea Deep Water (WSDW). Our calculations reveal that Cant concentrations increased significantly in the AABW, from an average concentration of 7 µmol kg−1 calculated for the period 1978–1987 to an average concentration of 13 µmol kg−1 for the period 2010–2018. This is comparable to previous estimates in other Southern Ocean (SO) basins, with the exception of bottom water close to formation sites where Cant concentrations are about twice as large. Our analysis shows that total carbon (CT) and Cant increasing rates in the AABW are about the same over the period 1978–2018, and we conclude that the long-term change in CT is mainly due to the uptake of Cant in the different formation regions. This is, however, modulated by significant interannual to multi-annual variability associated with variations in hydrographic (potential temperature, Θ; salinity, S) and biogeochemical (CT; total alkalinity, AT; dissolved oxygen, O2) properties. A surprising result is the apparent stability of Cant concentrations in recent years despite the increase in CT and the gradual acceleration of atmospheric CO2. The interannual variability at play in AABW needs to be carefully considered in the extrapolated estimation of Cant sequestration based on sparse observations over several years.
Abstract. Antarctic bottom waters (AABWs) are known as a long term sink for anthropogenic CO2 (Cant) but is hardly quantified because of the scarcity of the observations, specifically at an interannual scale. We present in this manuscript an original dataset combining 40 years of carbonate system observations in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (Enderby Basin) to evaluate and interpret the interannual variability of Cant in the AABW. This investigation is based on regular observations collected at the same location (63° E/56.5° S) in the frame of the French observatory OISO from 1998 to 2018 extended by GEOSECS and INDIGO observations (1978, 1985 and 1987). At this location the main sources of AABW sampled is the fresh and younger Cape Darnley bottom water (CDBW) and the Weddell Sea deep water (WSDW). Our calculations reveal that Cant concentrations increased significantly in AABW, from about + 7 µmol kg-1 in 1978–1987 to + 13 µmol kg-1 in 2010–2018. This is comparable to previous estimates in other SO basins, with the exception of bottom waters close to their formation sites where Cant concentrations are about twice as large. Our analysis shows that the CT and Cant increasing rates in AABW are about the same over the period 1978–2018, and we conclude that the long-term change in CT is mainly due to the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 in the different formation regions. This is however modulated by significant interannual to pluriannual variability associated with variations in hydrological (ϴ, S) and biogeochemical (CT, AT, O2) properties. A surprising result is the apparent stability of Cant concentrations in recent years despite the increase in CT and the gradual acceleration of atmospheric CO2. The Cant sequestration by AABWs is more variable than expected and depends on a complex combination of physical, chemical and biological processes at the formation sites and during the transit of the different AABWs. The interannual variability at play in AABW needs to be carefully considered on the extrapolated estimation of Cant sequestration based on sparse observations over several years.
The solubility of iron (Fe) in seawater is greatly enhanced by complexation with organic ligands, predominantly occurring as humic substances (HS) in coastal areas. Mining exploitation is believed to change the natural biogeochemical cycle of Fe in coastal waters, even though its impacts on the physical and chemical speciation of the Fe fractions are not known. Here we show that dissolved and soluble Fe concentrations in coastal waters affected by a mining catastrophe (Fundão dam, Southeast Brazil) remain very high, even almost 3 years later, with concentrations of dissolved Fe up to 2.8 μM (0.45 μm filtration) or 700 nM (0.22 μm filtration), and soluble Fe (0.02 μm) up to 40 nM. Levels of humic substances can only explain the binding of 2% and 10% (median values) of dissolved Fe (0.22 μm) and soluble Fe concentrations, respectively, which shows that processes other than complexation with humic substances are at play to maintain such high dissolved Fe concentrations. We hypothesize that the colloidal phase that dominates the dissolved Fe fraction occurs as Fe(III) oxyhydroxides while the soluble fraction is comprised of Fe(III) complexes with amine compounds (widely used in the ore extraction process). Mass balance of dissolved Fe in the water column suggests that sediment resuspension on the continental shelf is by far the dominant process delivering dissolved Fe to coastal and shelf waters. Estimates of dissolved Fe yearly fluxes highlight the sheer magnitude of this catastrophe that might provide a non-negligible amount of dissolved Fe to the open ocean.
The study presents results from a time series in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean, which together with historical relevant data span a 40-year period. Using this time series, the authors evaluate the evolution of anthropogenic CO2 (Cant) in the Antarctic Bottom Waters (AABW). It is an interesting and generally well written work, and generally good figures and tables. There are some need for clarity in some parts and there is some concern of the treatment of data gaps, but most of this should be rather easily dealt with, and I recommend publication after minor revision. A detailed
General comments: This manuscript deals with temporal variations of anthropogenic CO2 in bottom waters in the Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean is said to take up 40% of anthropogenic CO2 absorbed by the ocean. Thus, investigations of temporal variability of anthropogenic CO2 are very important to evaluate ocean's capacity of absorbing atmospheric CO2, information of which is indispensable for the projection of global warming. In terms of oceanic observation, the Southern Ocean is one of the regions, where the number of measurements, especially for chemical and biological properties, is scare. In this point also, it is worth of being published in the journal. The C1
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