Surface Mixed Layer Profile of Physical and
Biogeochemical Variables in the
Subpolar North-West and -East Atlantic
Ocean: A Data-Model Comparison Study
This paper presents a study of physical and biogeochemical variables using numerical model and
mixed layer oceanographic data from a 2 - 3 year in situ measurements in the Northwestern and
Northeastern sites of the Atlantic Ocean. Model outputs are presented and indicated that very
good estimates may be obtained. The outputs showed considerable agreement in reproducing seasonal
distributions of pCO2, pCO2-T, pCO2-nonT, mixed layer temperature, and chlorophyll-a in
both winter and summer, and therefore provide useful physical and theoretical understanding of
their biogeochemistry. The model pCO2 indicated a distinct temporal variability with seasonal
changes coinciding with the change in sea surface temperature. It also provides an agreement that
there is a strong seasonal cycle of mixed layer parameters filliped by nonthermal and physical
factors. As an outgrowth of this work, the pCO2 model outputs affirm the North Atlantic Ocean capacity
as an important oceanographic sink for anthropogenic carbon dioxid