Robert M. Key
Princeton University
A Global Ocean Carbon Climatology: Results from GLODAP

Subsequent to the oceanic survey programs of the 1990�s, a group of U.S. scientists collaborated to synthesize the data into easily usable and readily available products. This collaboration is known as the Global Ocean Data Analysis Project (GLODAP). Results from the field expeditions were merged into a common format data set, segregated by ocean. For comparison purposes, each ocean data set includes a small number of high quality historical cruises. The data were subjected to rigorous quality control procedures in order to produce a data set which represented an accurate synoptic picture of the three dimensional global ocean distribution of total dissolved inorganic carbon, total alkalinity, CFC-11, CFC-12, and radiocarbon. The data were used to estimate anthropogenic CO2, pre-industrial CO2, potential alkalinity, CFC ages, CFC partial pressure, bomb-produced radiocarbon, and natural radiocarbon in a uniform manner. The data were used to produce objective maps of the various parameter distributions at a one-degree resolution on 33 depth layers. Important details of the data treatment and the mapping procedure are described, and summary quantities and integrals for the various parameters reported.

The GLODAP results are now being used to help calibrate and constrain numerical ocean models used to study large scale circulation, ocean ventilation, air-sea gas exchange, and global climate change. Progress on these efforts is highlighted.