Decrease in air-sea CO2 fluxes caused by persistent marine heatwaves

Alexandre Mignot (), Karina Schuckmann, Peter Landschützer, Florent Gasparin, Simon Gennip, Coralie Perruche, Julien Lamouroux and Tristan Amm
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Alexandre Mignot: Mercator Océan International
Karina Schuckmann: Mercator Océan International
Peter Landschützer: Max Planck Institute for Meteorology
Florent Gasparin: Mercator Océan International
Simon Gennip: Mercator Océan International
Coralie Perruche: Mercator Océan International
Julien Lamouroux: Mercator Océan International
Tristan Amm: Mercator Océan International

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Regional processes play a key role in the global carbon budget. Major ocean CO2 uptake at mid-latitudes counteracts CO2 release in the tropics, which is modulated by episodes of marine heatwaves. Yet, we lack essential knowledge on persistent marine heatwaves, and their effect on the CO2 sensitive areas. Here we show, using a 1985–2017 joint analysis of reconstructions, ocean reanalysis and in situ and satellite data, that persistent marine heatwaves occur in major CO2 uptake and release areas. Average air-sea CO2 flux density changes from persistent marine heatwaves are strongest in the Pacific Ocean with a 40 ± 9% reduction in CO2 release in the tropics linked to ENSO, and a reduction in CO2 uptake of 29 ± 11% in the North Pacific over the study period. These results provide new insights into the interplay of extreme variability and a critical regulating ocean ecosystem service, and pave the way for future investigations on its evolution under climate change.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31983-0

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