Decadal oscillations in the ocean's largest oxygen-deficient zone. Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • The impact of global warming on the ocean's oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs) is uncertain, partly because of a lack of data on past changes. We report monthly resolved records of coral skeleton-bound nitrogen isotopes (CS-δ15N) to reconstruct denitrification in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific (ETNP) ODZ over the last 80 years. The data indicate strong decadal variation in ETNP denitrification, with maxima during the cool North Pacific phase of Pacific Decadal Variability. The maxima in denitrification (and thus oxygen deficiency) were likely due to stronger upwelling that enhanced productivity leading to greater oxygen demand in the thermocline. Prior findings of multidecadal-to-centennial ODZ trends were likely biased by this variability. ODZ evolution over the next century will depend on how global warming interacts with the decadal oscillations.

publication date

  • November 29, 2024

has restriction

  • closed

Date in CU Experts

  • November 29, 2024 11:49 AM

Full Author List

  • Duprey NN; Foreman AD; Carriquiry JD; Charles CD; Sanchez SC; Vonhof H; Rubach F; Rabenstein R; Rohr M; Reyes-Bonilla H

author count

  • 14

Other Profiles

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1095-9203

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 1019

end page

  • 1024

volume

  • 386

issue

  • 6725