The carbon cycle of Glacier Bay, Alaska: primary productivity, the importance of terrestrial inputs and the air-sea carbon dioxide exchange

Abstract

The study examined dissolved organic carbon, alkalinity, particulate organic carbon, and wind speed over the period of a few days. Gas exchange between the atmosphere and ocean is eight times higher than over the open ocean, although comparable to the Arctic and Antarctic oceans. Strong mixing with waters outside Glacier Bay was indicated by two measurements: a low value of respired carbon dioxide and a low value of terrestrial organic carbon. A year-long time series is recommended to obtain a good base level measurement of the carbon cycle in the bay.