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www.biogeosciences-discuss.net/6/2539/2009/
doi:10.5194/bgd-6-2539-2009
© Author(s) 2009. This work is distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Stoichiometries of remineralisation and denitrification in global biogeochemical ocean models
1Leibniz-Institute of Marine Sciences IFM-GEOMAR, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
*now at: Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstr. 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Abstract. Since the seminal paper of Redfield (1934), constant stoichiometric elemental ratios linking biotic carbon and nutrient fluxes are often assumed in marine biogeochemistry, and especially in coupled biogeochemical circulation models to link the global oxygen, carbon and nutrient cycles. However, when looking in more detail, some deviations from the classical Redfield stoichiometry have been reported, in particular with respect to remineralization of organic matter changing with depth or with ambient oxygen levels. We here compare the assumptions about the stoichiometry of organic matter and its remineralization that are used explicitly and implicitly in common biogeochemical ocean models. We find that the implicit assumptions made about the hydrogen content of organic matter can lead to inconsistencies in the modeled remineralization and denitrification stoichiometries. It is suggested that models explicitly state the chemical composition assumed for the organic matter, including its oxygen and hydrogen content.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 649 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 8 Comments) Final Revised Paper (BG)
Citation: Paulmier, A., Kriest, I., and Oschlies, A.: Stoichiometries of remineralisation and denitrification in global biogeochemical ocean models, Biogeosciences Discuss., 6, 2539-2566, doi:10.5194/bgd-6-2539-2009, 2009. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
