Coastal ocean uptake of CO2 in the Gulf of Mexico

What is it about?

Through the use of a combination of ship-based measurements and satellite ocean color observations, estimates were made of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) taken up by coastal water in the northern Gulf of Mexico. There was a strong influence of the Mississippi River inputs, as well as effects of wind and weather conditions on the amount and distribution of uptake.

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Why is it important?

The coastal oceans are an important sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas contributing to global climate change. Information about how conditions affect this sink of CO2 is important for projecting future changes in atmospheric levels.