Seasonal variation of inorganic carbon parameters and air–sea exchange of CO2 in Marian Cove, King George Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula

Abstract

Inorganic carbon parameters were observed in Marian Cove, King George Island, Western Antarctic Peninsula, to assess the impact of the Antarctic coastal regions on air–sea CO2 exchange. The variations in total alkalinity (TA) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) were caused by ice melting, formation, and biological activities. The net annual air–sea CO2 flux (5.6 ± 11.8 mmol m−2 d−1) indicated that Marian Cove was a CO2 source in the atmosphere, suggesting the opposite role of the Antarctic coastal regions to the Southern Ocean in CO2 flux estimates. Finally, this study identified the controlling factors of the annual variation of TA and DIC for the first time through direct field observations in King George Island. This study indicated that Antarctic coastal regions can act as a CO2 source to the atmosphere. Thus, further investigations and continuous monitoring are required in the coastal areas to improve our understanding of global carbon cycles.