The overlooked contribution of the seasonal mixed layer pump to carbon export in low-latitude oceans

Chao Xu, Nicolas Cassar, Andrew F. Thompson, Yuchen Zhang, Haili Wang, Xin Liu () and Bangqin Huang ()
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Chao Xu: Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
Nicolas Cassar: Duke University, Division of Earth and Climate Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment
Andrew F. Thompson: California Institute of Technology, Environmental Science and Engineering
Yuchen Zhang: Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
Haili Wang: Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
Xin Liu: Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
Bangqin Huang: Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The seasonal mixed layer pump (MLP) is an important pathway transporting organic carbon from the upper ocean to the ocean interior. While the MLP’s export role has been well-studied in high latitudes, its contribution in low latitudes remains uncertain. Here, we quantify the seasonal MLP-driven carbon export (EMLP) in low-latitude oceans using data from 26 biogeochemical profiling floats. Our analysis reveals that EMLP ranges from −0.9 to 7.6 g C m−2 yr−1, contributing up to 53% of carbon export in certain areas. We find the relative positions of the mixed layer depth, euphotic depth, and nitracline depth regulate EMLP strength in low-latitude oceans. Global extrapolation of these observations across low-latitude oceans yields a total EMLP of 0.07 ± 0.02 Pg C yr−1, 75% higher than previous estimates, underscoring the previously underestimated role of the seasonal MLP in low-latitude oceans. These results reveal the controlling mechanisms of low-latitude seasonal MLP and highlight its disproportionately important role in regional ecosystems, particularly in oligotrophic oceans where carbon export pathways are limited.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65710-2

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