POSTER Session 1

Diurnal Global Air-sea CO2 flux Reconstructed from Spaceborne LiDAR Data

Oceans play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing a substantial amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Despite this vital function, our understanding of oceanic CO2 dynamics remains incomplete. This study aimed to elucidate daily variations in oceanic CO2 levels and the air-sea CO2 exchange through the application of a novel technique. Leveraging LiDAR technology, renowned for its ability to provide continuous measurements day and night, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of global oceanic CO2 absorption spanning 23 years. Our model effectively replicated existing CO2 data, revealing a notable phenomenon: oceanic CO2 absorption rates are approximately 10-30% higher during nocturnal hours compared to diurnal periods. This variance can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including temperature differentials, wind patterns, as well as biological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Recognizing and comprehending these daily oscillations are pivotal for refining predictions of oceanic CO2 uptake and addressing discrepancies observed in current carbon budget estimations. By shedding light on this intricate interplay, our pioneering investigation underscores the indispensable role of LiDAR technology in furnishing unparalleled day-night coverage of oceanic data. Furthermore, our findings significantly contribute to advancing our comprehension of oceanic CO2 cycles and their pivotal role in climate regulation. Emphasizing the imperative of integrating day-night variability into assessments of the ocean’s carbon sequestration capacity, this study underscores the urgency of holistic approaches in confronting climate change.

Siqi Zhang, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), China, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0531-7528

Delu Pan, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), China

Peng Chen, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), China

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