Articles | Volume 21, issue 19
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4469-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4469-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
14 Oct 2024
Research article |
| 14 Oct 2024
| 14 Oct 2024
Riverine nutrient impact on global ocean nitrogen cycle feedbacks and marine primary production in an Earth system model
Miriam Tivig
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1–3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
Deutscher Wetterdienst, Abteilung Klima und Umwelt, Michendorfer Chaussee 23, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
David P. Keller
GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1–3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
Carbon to Sea Initiative, Washington, DC, USA
Andreas Oschlies
GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1–3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
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Chia-Te Chien, Markus Pahlow, Christopher J. Somes, Markus Schartau, and Andreas Oschlies
Earth Syst. Dynam., 17, 1277–1297, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-17-1277-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-17-1277-2026, 2026
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We aim to investigate the variability and drivers of atmospheric pCO2 drawdown during the Last Glacial Maximum using an ensemble of model simulations. Our ensemble explores the effects of parameter uncertainty and different forcing scenarios on marine biogeochemistry and pCO2. We show that changes in ocean circulation, nutrient utilization, and iron availability regulate the efficiency of the biological carbon pump, accounting for a substantial portion of the glacial–interglacial pCO2 change.
Vanessa Teske, Tronje Kemena, and Andreas Oschlies
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-4781, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-4781, 2026
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Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement is an ocean-based carbon dioxide removal method, but common metrics for assessing its effectiveness are difficult to apply in Earth system models. We show that changes in the global ocean carbon and alkalinity inventories are unreliable indicators for CO₂ uptake by the ocean because alkalinity additions to the ocean can alter the timing of large-scale climate modes, such as El Niño. Regional air-sea CO₂ fluxes provide more robust estimates.
Karin Kvale, Ivy Frenger, Julia Getzlaff, Wolfgang Koeve, Iris Kriest, Angela Landolfi, and Andreas Oschlies
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3481, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3481, 2026
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We tried to understand how parameter choices can impact ocean model results over long-timescale simulations. Using a standard ocean biogeochemical model, we modified the physics slightly and then used an objective tuning procedure to create 3 ocean biogeochemical models that perform nearly identically for the modern ocean. These 3 models gave similar results but for different underlying reasons, which caused the models to respond differently when forced with fossil CO2 emissions.
Timothée Bourgeois, Giang T. Tran, Aurich Jeltsch-Thömmes, Jörg Schwinger, Friederike Fröb, Thomas L. Frölicher, Thorsten Blenckner, Olivier Torres, Jean Negrel, David P. Keller, Andreas Oschlies, Laurent Bopp, and Fortunat Joos
Biogeosciences, 22, 5435–5462, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-5435-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-5435-2025, 2025
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Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions significantly impact ocean ecosystems through climate change and acidification, leading to either progressive or abrupt changes. This study maps the crossing of physical and ecological limits for various ocean impact metrics under three emission scenarios. Using Earth system models, we identify when these limits are exceeded, highlighting the urgent need for ambitious climate action to safeguard the world's oceans and ecosystems.
Haichao Guo, Wolfgang Koeve, Andreas Oschlies, Yan-Chun He, Tronje Peer Kemena, Lennart Gerke, and Iris Kriest
Ocean Sci., 21, 1167–1182, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1167-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-1167-2025, 2025
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We evaluated the effectiveness of the inverse Gaussian transit time distribution (IG-TTD) with respect to estimating the mean state and temporal changes of seawater age, defined as the duration since water last had contact with the atmosphere, within the tropical thermocline. Results suggest that the IG-TTD underestimates seawater age. Moreover, the IG-TTD constrained by a single tracer gives spurious trends in water age. Incorporating an additional tracer improves IG-TTD's accuracy for estimating temporal change of seawater age.
Na Li, Christopher J. Somes, Angela Landolfi, Chia-Te Chien, Markus Pahlow, and Andreas Oschlies
Biogeosciences, 21, 4361–4380, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4361-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4361-2024, 2024
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N is a crucial nutrient that limits phytoplankton growth in large ocean areas. The amount of oceanic N is governed by the balance of N2 fixation and denitrification. Here we incorporate benthic denitrification into an Earth system model with variable particulate stoichiometry. Our model compares better to the observed surface nutrient distributions, marine N2 fixation, and primary production. Benthic denitrification plays an important role in marine N and C cycling and hence the global climate.
Tianfei Xue, Jens Terhaar, A. E. Friederike Prowe, Thomas L. Frölicher, Andreas Oschlies, and Ivy Frenger
Biogeosciences, 21, 2473–2491, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2473-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2473-2024, 2024
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Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. However, climate change's impact on phytoplankton biomass remains uncertain, particularly in the Southern Ocean. In this region, phytoplankton biomass within the water column is likely to remain stable in response to climate change, as supported by models. This stability arises from a shallower mixed layer, favoring phytoplankton growth but also increasing zooplankton grazing due to phytoplankton concentration near the surface.
Katja Fennel, Matthew C. Long, Christopher Algar, Brendan Carter, David Keller, Arnaud Laurent, Jann Paul Mattern, Ruth Musgrave, Andreas Oschlies, Josiane Ostiguy, Jaime B. Palter, and Daniel B. Whitt
State Planet, 2-oae2023, 9, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-2-oae2023-9-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-2-oae2023-9-2023, 2023
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This paper describes biogeochemical models and modelling techniques for applications related to ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) research. Many of the most pressing OAE-related research questions cannot be addressed by observation alone but will require a combination of skilful models and observations. We present illustrative examples with references to further information; describe limitations, caveats, and future research needs; and provide practical recommendations.
Andreas Oschlies, Lennart T. Bach, Rosalind E. M. Rickaby, Terre Satterfield, Romany Webb, and Jean-Pierre Gattuso
State Planet, 2-oae2023, 1, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-2-oae2023-1-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-2-oae2023-1-2023, 2023
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Reaching promised climate targets will require the deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Marine CDR options receive more and more interest. Based on idealized theoretical studies, ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) appears as a promising marine CDR method. We provide an overview on the current situation of developing OAE as a marine CDR method and describe the history that has led to the creation of the OAE research best practice guide.
Iris Kriest, Julia Getzlaff, Angela Landolfi, Volkmar Sauerland, Markus Schartau, and Andreas Oschlies
Biogeosciences, 20, 2645–2669, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2645-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2645-2023, 2023
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Global biogeochemical ocean models are often subjectively assessed and tuned against observations. We applied different strategies to calibrate a global model against observations. Although the calibrated models show similar tracer distributions at the surface, they differ in global biogeochemical fluxes, especially in global particle flux. Simulated global volume of oxygen minimum zones varies strongly with calibration strategy and over time, rendering its temporal extrapolation difficult.
Jiajun Wu, David P. Keller, and Andreas Oschlies
Earth Syst. Dynam., 14, 185–221, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-14-185-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-14-185-2023, 2023
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In this study we investigate an ocean-based carbon dioxide removal method: macroalgae open-ocean mariculture and sinking (MOS), which aims to cultivate seaweed in the open-ocean surface and to sink matured biomass quickly to the deep seafloor. Our results suggest that MOS has considerable potential as an ocean-based CDR method. However, MOS has inherent side effects on marine ecosystems and biogeochemistry, which will require careful evaluation beyond this first idealized modeling study.
Chia-Te Chien, Jonathan V. Durgadoo, Dana Ehlert, Ivy Frenger, David P. Keller, Wolfgang Koeve, Iris Kriest, Angela Landolfi, Lavinia Patara, Sebastian Wahl, and Andreas Oschlies
Geosci. Model Dev., 15, 5987–6024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-5987-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-5987-2022, 2022
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We present the implementation and evaluation of a marine biogeochemical model, Model of Oceanic Pelagic Stoichiometry (MOPS) in the Flexible Ocean and Climate Infrastructure (FOCI) climate model. FOCI-MOPS enables the simulation of marine biological processes, the marine carbon, nitrogen and oxygen cycles, and air–sea gas exchange of CO2 and O2. As shown by our evaluation, FOCI-MOPS shows an overall adequate performance that makes it an appropriate tool for Earth climate system simulations.
Tianfei Xue, Ivy Frenger, A. E. Friederike Prowe, Yonss Saranga José, and Andreas Oschlies
Biogeosciences, 19, 455–475, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-455-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-455-2022, 2022
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The Peruvian system supports 10 % of the world's fishing yield. In the Peruvian system, wind and earth’s rotation bring cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface and allow phytoplankton to grow. But observations show that it grows worse at high upwelling. Using a model, we find that high upwelling happens when air mixes the water the most. Then phytoplankton is diluted and grows slowly due to low light and cool upwelled water. This study helps to estimate how it might change in a warming climate.
Karin Kvale, David P. Keller, Wolfgang Koeve, Katrin J. Meissner, Christopher J. Somes, Wanxuan Yao, and Andreas Oschlies
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 7255–7285, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-7255-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-7255-2021, 2021
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We present a new model of biological marine silicate cycling for the University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model (UVic ESCM). This new model adds diatoms, which are a key aspect of the biological carbon pump, to an existing ecosystem model. Our modifications change how the model responds to warming, with net primary production declining more strongly than in previous versions. Diatoms in particular are simulated to decline with climate warming due to their high nutrient requirements.
Maria-Theresia Verwega, Christopher J. Somes, Markus Schartau, Robyn Elizabeth Tuerena, Anne Lorrain, Andreas Oschlies, and Thomas Slawig
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 4861–4880, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-4861-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-4861-2021, 2021
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This work describes a ready-to-use collection of particulate organic carbon stable isotope ratio data sets. It covers the 1960s–2010s and all main oceans, providing meta-information and gridded data. The best coverage exists in Atlantic, Indian and Southern Ocean surface waters during the 1990s. It indicates no major difference between methods and shows decreasing values towards high latitudes, with the lowest in the Southern Ocean, and a long-term decline in all regions but the Southern Ocean.
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Short summary
Marine biological production is highly dependent on the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus. Rivers are the main source of phosphorus to the oceans but poorly represented in global model oceans. We include dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus from river export in a global model ocean and find that the addition of riverine phosphorus affects marine biology on millennial timescales more than riverine nitrogen alone. Globally, riverine phosphorus input increases primary production rates.
Marine biological production is highly dependent on the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus....
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