Tidal Carbon Cycling explores the significant, yet often overlooked, role of tides in the ocean's carbon cycle, a critical component of global climate regulation. It argues that tidal mixing enhances the vertical transport of nutrients and carbon, fueling phytoplankton growth. This process acts as a biological pump, drawing atmospheric carbon dioxide into the ocean, with some of it being sequestered in the deep sea for long periods. Did you know that the efficiency of this biological pump is directly influenced by the strength and location of tidal mixing?
The book synthesizes observational data, numerical modeling, and theoretical frameworks to demonstrate the influence of tides on carbon uptake. It begins by explaining the basics of tidal dynamics and ocean mixing before examining the link between tidal mixing and primary productivity. It then explores the fate of biologically fixed carbon, including its transport and long-term storage. Finally, it addresses the implications for climate change mitigation.
The book stands out by focusing on the understudied impact of tides, differentiating itself from research that emphasizes wind-driven or convective mixing. This comprehensive approach, suitable for students and researchers in oceanography and climate science, provides a deeper understanding of oceanography, climatology, and biogeochemistry. It emphasizes the real-world applications, such as improving climate models and informing carbon sequestration strategies, and highlights the potential for “blue carbon” initiatives in coastal ecosystems.
