Nitrous oxide isotopes: Tracing production, transport, and emissions from the Pacific Ocean
ID:1600
Invited Oral Presentation
2027-01-13 13:30 (China Standard Time)
Session:Session 69 - The nitrogen cycle in a changing ocean: from the process level to basin scale
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a long-lived greenhouse gas that also contributes to stratospheric ozone destruction. Overall, the net flux of N2O from the ocean represents about one third of the natural emissions of N2O to the atmosphere each year. N2O is produced in the ocean via nitrification-linked processes during nutrient regeneration and as an intermediate of denitrification in oxygen-minimum zones (OMZs). In regions of hypoxia, both nitrification and denitrification can contribute to N2O production, and the yields of N2O from both processes increase. In addition to being emitted locally, N2O produced in low oxygen waters can be transported long distances from where it is produced to where it is ultimately emitted to the atmosphere. Because N2O isotopes are sensitive to production mechanism, they can be used to fingerprint sources and track transport of N2O from OMZ regions to sites of subsequent emissions. Here, we present a prospectus on N2O production, transport, and emissions from the Pacific Ocean, highlighting open questions from the perspective of a changing ocean.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
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Mar 31
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
