Dr. Leticia Barbero – NOAA Scientist, Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division |

Title: The CO2 system in the Gulf of Mexico, ocean acidification and the GOMECC cruises

Abstract:  Inorganic carbon measurements in the Gulf of Mexico have been sparse both spatially and temporally before 2006. However, the unique bio-geographical features of the Gulf, including inflow of waters with high alkalinity and inorganic carbon from the 10^th largest river in the world, the Mississippi River, make it a relevant contributor to the total air-sea CO2 fluxes, particularly for an adequate determination of the carbon balance in North America. Over the last decade, efforts to measure CO2 concentrations in surface waters of the GOM have allowed us to evaluate the capacity of the region to absorb atmospheric carbon. Ocean acidification, a decrease in pH as a result of increased CO2 in seawater, is being monitored in the Gulf of Mexico via synoptic cruises that take place every 4-5 years. Results from the first 2 cruises will be presented. The next GOMECC cruise is planned for the summer of 2017.