Latitudinal distribution of sources and sinks of CO2: results of an inversion study

I. G. Enting; J. V. Mansbridge

doi:10.3402/tellusb.v43i2.15261

Latitudinal distribution of sources and sinks of CO2: results of an inversion study

Tellus B: Chemical and Physical Meteorology

Volume 43 (1991): Issue 2

By: I. G. Enting and J. V. Mansbridge

Open Access

|Jan 1991

Abstract

A two-dimensional inversion calculation is used to estimate the distribution of surface sources of atmospheric CO₂ in space and time. These estimates are then modified to account for the role of CO and CH₄ in the atmospheric carbon budget. The results confirm previous estimates of a weak (oceanic) sink in the southern hemisphere of 1.3 Gt C yr^-1 and a northern sink of 1.9 Gt C year^-1. These sink strengths are disproportionate to the ocean areas although, compared to our previous studies, the CO correction has reduced the degree of disproportion. Because of a number of near cancellations, the CO correction leads to little change in the net carbon budget of the tropics. Combining the net release estimate for the region 12°S to 12°N with independent estimates of oceanic CO₂ release implies that, in this region, the terrestrial biomass is nearly constant or even slowly increasing, in spite of massive deforestation. The implications for the global carbon budget are discussed.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/tellusb.v43i2.15261 | Journal eISSN: 1600-0889

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Language: English

Page range: 156 - 170

Submitted on: May 14, 1990

Accepted on: Sep 25, 1990

Published on: Jan 1, 1991

Published by: Stockholm University Press

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

© 1991 I. G. Enting, J. V. Mansbridge, published by Stockholm University Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 43 (1991): Issue 2