Latitude versus Depth Simulations of Ecodynamics and Dissolved Gas Chemistry Relationships in the Central Pacific

Nutrient ecology and trace gas processing are intimately coupled in the surface ocean and participate in key linkages through the Earth biogeochemical system. We have added water column photochemistry for volatile sulfur and organic compounds to large scale nutrient cycle modules, in order to create a one dimensional, open ocean ecochemistry simulator. Phyto- and zooplankton, recyclers and biological waste products are represented through N and Fe densities. Dimethyl sulfide, carbonyl sulfide and the methyl halides are tracked individually along with certain precursors and nonmethane hydrocarbons. The model is applied along the 180 degree meridian in the Northern Hemisphere. Ecodynamics are validated against satellite ocean color maps. Biological/photochemical production terms are then iterated upon to match measured distributions for the trace gases. Data are most complete for dimethyl sulfide. Major patterns in its climatology are captured within individual ecological provinces. However, at the basin scale reduced sulfur release must be varied over almost an order of magnitude because the mechanism developed contains only one plant taxon. Based on sparser data, first order rate constants are estimated for phytoplanktonic exudation of the methyl halides. Parameters are also established for photolytic injection of carbonyl sulfide and propylene from the dissolved organics. Ocean general circulation models and interactive ocean-atmosphere transport simulations are discussed as frameworks for future application.