The overlooked contribution of the seasonal mixed layer pump to carbon export in low-latitude oceans.

ABSTRACT: The seasonal mixed layer pump (MLP) is an important pathway transporting organic carbon from the upper ocean to the ocean interior. While the MLP's export role has been well-studied in high latitudes, its contribution in low latitudes remains uncertain. Here, we quantify the seasonal MLP-driven carbon export (E_MLP) in low-latitude oceans using data from 26 biogeochemical profiling floats. Our analysis reveals that E_MLP ranges from -0.9 to 7.6 g C m^-2 yr^-1, contributing up to 53% of carbon export in certain areas. We find the relative positions of the mixed layer depth, euphotic depth, and nitracline depth regulate E_MLP strength in low-latitude oceans. Global extrapolation of these observations across low-latitude oceans yields a total

SUBMITTER: Xu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12660330 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature