Variation in Carbonate Chemistry throughout the San Juan Archipelago

Abstract

Due to the dynamic nature of the water masses in the San Juan archipelago, the carbonate chemistry has not yet been well defined in space and time. For this short-term study during a neap to spring tidal cycle in mid July 2011, we analyzed water samples as far west as Kellett Bluff and as far east as East Sound for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), temperature, and salinity at depths of 10 meters. As expected, we found variability across space and time that may be in part explained by a freshwater signal from the Fraser River, differences in flow and flushing rates, the physical geography and the resultant estuarine and ocean circulation. With continued and more expansive sampling, this data will have pertinence for the larger and future dialogue about ocean acidification in coastal environments.