Impacts of ocean biogeochemistry on atmospheric chemistry

 

The atmospheric impacts of ocean biogeochemistry are derived from influence on the abundance of long and short-lived gases, that drive the atmospheric oxidation capacity, to secondary aerosol abundance and composition. This perspective paper reports on progress over the past decade, unresolved issues, and future research directions to understand the influence of ocean biogeochemistry on gas-phase atmospheric chemistry. Firstly, our evolving understanding of biogeochemical controls on the chemistry of reactive halogen gasses, that impact tropospheric ozone and air quality, is assessed. Secondly, oceanic emissions, largely halogen-containing, that make their way to the stratosphere and influence the atmospheric chemistry there are treated. The main processes concerning halogens treated in this article are schematized in Figure 1. Finally, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the troposphere, both via primary emissions and via reactive processes that occur at the ocean–atmosphere interface is discussed.

Reference: Tinel, L., Abbatt, J., Saltzman, E., et al. (2023). Impacts of ocean biogeochemistry on atmospheric chemistry. Elem. Sci. Anth., 11(1), 00032. https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2023.00032