The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

What role do local biological processes play in the carbon sequestration in the Cape Darnley polynya?
ID:1273 Oral Presentation

2027-01-15 14:15 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 13 - High-Latitude Marine Biogeochemical Dynamics and Environmental Change: Coupled Processes, Carbon–Nutrient Cycles, and Polar Futures

Abstract
Polynyas, as ice-free areas surrounded by thick sea-ice, are the most active hotspots of primary productivity and critical carbon sinks around Antarctica, as well as the main sources of Dense Shelf Water (DSW). Previous studies have generally assumed that the cross-slope transport of dense water can carry atmospherically derived carbon into the abyss, enabling carbon sequestration. However, this hypothesis has long lacked support from direct observational or modeling evidence. In this study, we employ a high-resolution MITgcm-Darwin coupled ocean-sea ice-ecosystem model to reproduce the biogeochemical cycling characteristics of the Cape Darnley polynya, and isolate the contribution of biological processes to the carbon cycling. Our results show that the air-sea carbon flux in the Cape Darnley Polynya region reaches 0.54 Tg C yr-1, with the biological pump dominating this process (0.37 Tg C yr-1). Most of the carbon entering the ocean via the local biological pump sinks to sediments, and only one quarter has the potential to reach the deep ocean. The seasonal mismatch between phytoplankton blooms and DSW formation is the primary cause of this pattern.
Speaker
Yichen Lin Sun Yat-sen University

Author
奕辰 林 中山大学

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027