Biogeochemistry of greenhouse gases in coastal upwelling systems: Processes and sensitivity to global change

 

Major coastal upwelling systems are highly productive marine ecosystems, playing a significant role in carbon and nutrient cycling within the ocean. Their influence extends beyond their immediate regions, impacting marine biogeochemistry on a global scale. These systems are characterised by intense microbial respiration, contributing to the production and outgassing of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO₂, nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄). Understanding the magnitude of these contributions is crucial, especially in the context of climate change. In this synthesis, we provide an overview of the current understanding of how major coastal upwelling systems contribute to the cycling of GHG in the context of a changing climate. We also examine the challenges that impede our ability to predict their response to global change, and present recommendations for future research.

This paper is collected in the SOLAS Special Feature "Boundary Shift: The Air-Sea Interface in a Changing Climate".

Reference: Lachkar, Z., Cornejo-D'Ottone, M., Singh, A., et al. (2024). Biogeochemistry of greenhouse gases in coastal upwelling systems: Processes and sensitivity to global change. Elem. Sci. Anth.,  12(1): 00088. https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2023.00088