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Identifying the processes controlling the distribution of H 2 O 2 in surface waters along a meridional transect in the eastern Atlantic
Author(s) -
Steigenberger S.,
Croot P. L.
Publication year - 2008
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 - 10.1029/2007gl032555
Subject(s) - transect , zonal and meridional , colored dissolved organic matter , upwelling , surface water , phytoplankton , precipitation , environmental science , atmospheric sciences , limiting , oceanography , environmental chemistry , geology , chemistry , meteorology , physics , mechanical engineering , organic chemistry , environmental engineering , nutrient , engineering
Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is an important oxidant for many bio‐relevant trace metals and organic compounds and has potential as a tracer for mixing in near surface waters. In this study we combine H 2 O 2 and bio‐optical measurements with satellite data for a meridional transect from 46°N to 26°S in the eastern Atlantic in order to determine the key processes affecting its distribution. Surface H 2 O 2 ranged from 21–123 nmol L −1 , with maximum inventories (0–200 m) of 5.5–5.9 mmol m −2 found at 30°N and 25°S. Analyses showed a strong positive correlation of surface H 2 O 2 with daily irradiances and recent precipitation, though poor correlations with CDOM suggest sunlight is the limiting reactant for H 2 O 2 formation. Vertical distributions of H 2 O 2 were controlled by a combination of mixing processes and phytoplankton activity. The present study highlights processes controlling global H 2 O 2 distributions and points towards the development of parameterization schemes for prediction via satellite data.