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Sensors and instruments for oceanic dissolved carbon measurements
1University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, Norwich, UK, NR4 7TJ, UK
2Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, Nicosia, Cyprus
3MARIANDA, Marine Analytics and Data, Tulpenweg 28, Kiel, Germany
4Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences, Chemical Oceanography, Kiel, Germany
Abstract. Highly accurate and precise measurements of marine carbon components are required in the study of the marine carbon cycle, particularly when investigating the causes for its variability from seasonal to interannual timescales. This is especially true in the investigation of the consequences of anthropogenic influences.
The analysis of any component requires elaborate instrumentation, most of which is currently used onboard ships, either in manual mode or autonomous mode. Technological developments result in more and more instruments that have long-term reliability so that they can be deployed on surface moorings and buoys, whilst the great technological and operational challenges mean that only few sensors have been developed that can be used for sub-surface in situ measurements on floats, robots, or gliders. There is a special need for autonomous instruments and sensors that are able to measure a combination of different components, in order to increase the spatial and temporal coverage of marine carbon data.
This paper describes analytical techniques used for the detection of the marine dissolved carbon components, both inorganic and organic: the fugacity of CO2, total dissolved inorganic carbon, pH, alkalinity, and dissolved organic carbon. By pointing out advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of the techniques employed in the analysis of each component, we aim to aid non-carbon marine scientists, sensor developers and technologists, in the decision where to tackle the challenges of further development.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 573 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 5 Comments)Final Revised Paper (OS)
Citation: Schuster, U., Hannides, A., Mintrop, L., and Körtzinger, A.: Sensors and instruments for oceanic dissolved carbon measurements, Ocean Sci. Discuss., 6, 491-524, 2009. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager
