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Influence of the ITCZ on H 2 O 2 in near surface waters in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean
Author(s) -
Croot Peter L.,
Streu Peter,
Peeken Ilka,
Lochte Karin,
Baker Alex R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2004gl020154
Subject(s) - intertropical convergence zone , transect , upwelling , water column , plume , tropical atlantic , geology , surface water , oceanography , environmental science , atmospheric sciences , sea surface temperature , meteorology , geography , precipitation , environmental engineering
H 2 O 2 was measured in the upper water column (0–200 m) along a west‐east transect through the Equatorial Atlantic as part of the German SOLAS (Surface Ocean Lower Atmosphere) cruise Meteor 55 (M55). Vertical profiles of H 2 O 2 showed characteristic exponential decay consistent with light profiles and rainwater inputs. Integrated (0–100 m) water column H 2 O 2 inventories ranged from 1.1–8.9 mmol m −2 with the highest values in the Amazon Plume. H 2 O 2 inventories were also higher at the Equatorial Upwelling and after heavy rain showers in the region of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Analysis of rain water samples collected during the cruise gave a volume weighted mean of 10.8 μmol L −1 (range 1.5–22.3 μmol L −1 ). This work highlights the importance of rainwater as a major source for H 2 O 2 in the surface waters under the ITCZ.