Modelling radiocarbon uptake by the Southern Ocean

Abstract

The circulation of the Fine Antarctic Resolution Model (FRAM) is being applied in the development of an off-line and radiocarbon validated tracer model for the Southern Ocean. The tracer model represents a solution to the three dimensional advection and diffusion equation. Its spatial resolution is that of the FRAM with 0.5o in longitudinal and 0.25o in latitudinal direction as well as 32 levels in the vertical. The model will be applied to interpret the observed three dimensional distribution of radiocarbon within the Australian sector of the Southern Ocean. Here, a radiocarbon sampling program is being carried out along the WOCE Section SR4 between Tasmania and Antarctica. Additional samples were obtained in water of the South Australian Basin allowing to establish a three dimensional picture of the carbon-14 distribution for the sector.