Spatial and Temporal Variability in Carbonate Chemistry in San Juan Archipelago

Abstract

This is the first study that characterizes the carbonate parameters in the Salish Sea surrounding the San Juan Archipelago. Water samples were collected from 9 sites on multiple days and analyzed for total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon. Results show high spatial and temporal variability in carbonated parameters. Levels of pCO2 roughly fluctuated between 400 and 950 μatm. The sites are likely highly influenced by freshwater pulses and tidal exchanges. Stark differences between areas of hypothesized high and low water retention were not observed within this sampling scheme.