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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Late-Summer Biogeochemistry In The Mertz Polynya: East Antarctica, E. H. Shadwick, B. Tilbrook, K. I. Currie
Late-Summer Biogeochemistry In The Mertz Polynya: East Antarctica, E. H. Shadwick, B. Tilbrook, K. I. Currie
VIMS Articles
A marked reconfiguration of the Mertz Polynya following the 2010 calving of the Mertz Glacier Tongue has been associated with a decrease in the size and activity of the polynya. We report observations of the oceanic carbonate (CO2) system in late-summer 2013, the third post-calving summer season. Estimates of seasonal net community production (NCP) based on inorganic carbon deficits and the oxygen-argon ratio indicate that the waters on the shelf to the east of Commonwealth Bay (adjacent to the Mertz Glacier) remain productive compared to pre-calving conditions. The input of residual or excess alkalinity from melting sea ice is found …