Estimation of the trend of the CO2 properties evolution for the austral ocean.

The MINERVE program (Mesures à l'Interface Eau- aiR de la Variabilité des Echanges de CO2), based on oceanographic cruises between Hobart (Australia) and Terre Adélie (french Antarctic base),aims to observe and understand seasonal variabilities of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), Total Dissolved Inorganic Carbon and Total Alkalinity of surface seawater, in association with hydrological and in-situ biogeochemical mesurements, and also using remote sensing data (temperature, seawater color). Logistical routes of the Astrolabe lead to poorly known areas and allow to collect information in order to understand processes involved in the mesoscale spatio-temporal variability of pCO2 in the austral oceanic regions. Data collected during these cruises will be used as a background to estimate interannual and averaged variability (trends) of the CO2 net flux through the air/seawater interface. Measurements collected during the MINERVE program will be used also by other colleagues to constrain atmospheric models and validate biogeochemical models coupled with circulation models in order to simulate the carbon cycle for the next decades and centuries.

The related project is SNO COOL.