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Flow-weighted values of runoff tracers (delta 18O, DOC, Ba, alkalinity) from the six largest Arctic rivers
DOI: 10.1029/2008GL035007

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Cooper, L. W.; McClelland, J. W.; Holmes, R. M.; Raymond, P. A.; Gibson, J. J.; Guay, C. K.; Peterson, B. J.

Source:

Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 35, Issue 18, Number 18, p.L18606 (2008)

ISBN:

0094-8276

Keywords:

balance, barium, dissolved organic-carbon, FRESH-WATER, OCEAN, russian rivers, sea-ice

Abstract:

We present new flow-weighted data for delta 18O(H2O), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved barium and total alkalinity from the six largest Arctic rivers: the Ob', Yenisey, Lena, Kolyma, Yukon and Mackenzie. These data, which can be used to trace runoff, are based upon coordinated collections between 2003 and 2006 that were temporally distributed to capture linked seasonal dynamics of river flow and tracer values. Individual samples indicate significant variation in the contributions each river makes to the Arctic Ocean. Use of these new flow-weighted estimates should reduce uncertainties in the analysis of freshwater transport and fate in the upper Arctic Ocean, including the links to North Atlantic thermohaline circulation, as well as regional water mass analysis. Additional improvements should also be possible for assessing the mineralization rate of the globally significant flux of terrigenous DOC contributed to the Arctic Ocean by these major rivers.