CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS OF CARBONIC ACID SYSTEM IN THE TROPICAL ATLANTIC

N. V. Ovinova

Based on the most complete hydro-hydrochemical data set for 1922—1992, the elements of carbonic acid system (CO2 partial pressure and carbonate and bicarbonate concentrations) were calculated for the tropical Atlantic zone between 10ºS and 20ºN. Climatic data were generalized and statistically based charts on the elements of acid system for the tropical water zone with resolution of 5 × 5º were compiled for all seasons of the year. Statistically significant regional features of their distribution not found in earlier studies are established with special reference to CO2 partial pressure (pCO2). The classification of vertical profiles pCO2 by types is indicative of characteristic features of circulation and bioproductivity of water in the study zone.