Carbonate chemistry of the San Juan Archipelago: A baseline field study for future ocean acidification research

Abstract

Natural variability in the carbonate system is difficult to control in the lab. Furthermore, environmental carbonate chemistry data over small spatial scales is lacking. We measured discrete water samples across various flushing regimes in the San Juan Archipelago every other day during low slack tide over one neap to spring tidal transition. After analyzing these samples for temperature, salinity, total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon, we plotted these variables across space and time. Our data suggest that although carbonate chemistry varies through space and time, biological processes and tidal cycles may have a significant influence on the local marine chemistry. Our study aims to inform those interested in ocean acidification research about the natural variation of various carbonate system parameters in the San Juan Archipelago.