Testing algal-based pCO₂ proxies at a modern CO₂ seep (Vulcano, Italy).

ABSTRACT: Understanding long-term trends in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (pCO₂) has become increasingly relevant as modern concentrations surpass recent historic trends. One method for estimating past pCO₂, the stable carbon isotopic fractionation associated with photosynthesis (Ɛ_p) has shown promise over the past several decades, in particular using species-specific biomarker lipids such as alkenones. Recently, the Ɛ_p of more general biomarker lipids, organic compounds derived from a multitude of species, have been applied to generate longer-spanning, more ubiquitous records than those of alkenones but the sensitivity of this proxy to changes in pCO₂ has not been constrained in modern settings. Here, we test Ɛ_p using

SUBMITTER: Witkowski CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7324594 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature