Influence of the ITCZ on H2O2 in near surface waters in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean

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Abstract

H2O2 was measured in the upper water column (0-200 m) along a west-east transect through the Equatorial Atlantic as part of the German SOLAS (Surface Ocean Lower Atmosphere) cruise Meteor 55 (M55). Vertical profiles of H2O2 showed characteristic exponential decay consistent with light profiles and rainwater inputs. Integrated (0-100 m) water column H2O2 inventories ranged from 1.1-8.9 mmol m-2 with the highest values in the Amazon Plume. H2O2 inventories were also higher at the Equatorial Upwelling and after heavy rain showers in the region of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Analysis of rain water samples collected during the cruise gave a volume weighted mean of 10.8 μmol L-1 (range 1.5-22.3 μol L-1). This work highlights the importance of rainwater as a major source for H2O2 in the surface waters under the ITCZ.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-4
Number of pages4
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume31
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Dec 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 3354 Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics: Precipitation (1854)
  • 4504 Oceanography: Physical: Air/sea interactions (0312)
  • 4805 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Biogeochemical cycles (1615)
  • 4835 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Inorganic marine chemistry
  • 4852 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Photochemistry

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