Production mechanism and global budget of N sub(2)O inferred from its isotopomers in the western North Pacific

We measured the intramolecular distribution of super(15)N as well as conventional nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in oceanic nitrous oxide (N sub(2)O) in the western North Pacific for the first time. In contrast to a nearly homogeneous vertical distribution of a bulk nitrogen isotope ratio, a wid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2002-02, Vol.29 (3), p.7-7
Main Authors: Toyoda, S, Yoshida, N, Miwa, T, Matsui, Y, Yamagishi, H, Tsunogai, U, Nojiri, Y, Tsurushima, N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Marine
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Summary:We measured the intramolecular distribution of super(15)N as well as conventional nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in oceanic nitrous oxide (N sub(2)O) in the western North Pacific for the first time. In contrast to a nearly homogeneous vertical distribution of a bulk nitrogen isotope ratio, a wide variation in site preference for intramolecular super(15)N distribution was found, suggesting the subsurface and deep source mixing and the production mechanism in the ocean. The oceanic composition of N sub(2)O isotopomers quantitatively outlines the ocean as the most significant source after the terrestrial one.
ISSN:0094-8276
DOI:10.1029/2001GL014311