The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

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.
 
Speaker
Karen Casciotti Stanford University

Author
Karen Casciotti Stanford University

    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