Revisiting the seasonal mixed-layer pump in the global ocean
ID:1023
Oral Presentation
2027-01-14 13:45 (China Standard Time)
Session: Session 39 - Leveraging BGC-Argo Observations to Advance Marine Biogeochemical Cycles and Ecosystem Dynamics
Abstract
The seasonal mixed-layer pump (MLP) transfers biologically produced carbon to the ocean interior via seasonal changes in mixed-layer depth, providing an important physically mediated pathway for carbon export. However, its global contribution remains poorly constrained. Here we use 664 float-years of observations from 397 biogeochemical Argo floats to quantify MLP carbon export across the global ocean. Local MLP export rates range from −1.4 to 9.7 g C m-2 yr-1, equivalent to up to 60% of gravitational particle export, and are primarily modulated by upper-ocean stratification and nutrient availability. Extrapolating these float-based estimates globally with a machine-learning model yields a global annual MLP export of 0.29 ± 0.01 Pg C yr-1, with the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean emerging as global hotspots. These results identify the seasonal MLP as an important regional pathway and underscore how changes in upper-ocean vertical structure can reshape regional carbon export budgets.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
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Mar 31
2026
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Apr 30
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2026
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Jun 30
2026
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Aug 31
2026
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Sep 15
2026
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Oct 15
2026
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
