The unique data set of monthly observations collected over more than a decade at the time-series station DYFAMED (between Nice and Calvi), allows us to estimate the temporal variation of the distribution of anthropogenic CO2 in the western Mediterranean Sea. The results indicate 1) that the concentrations of anthropogenic CO2 are much higher than those found in the Atlantic Ocean, and 2) that the temporal trend for anthropogenic CO2 is decreasing and following that of dissolved oxygen. The decrease of anthropogenic CO2 resulted from an invasion of old water masses. This, indicates that small changes in water circulation due to anthropogenic pressures (global warming, river dams, etc.), may provoke significant impacts on anthropogenic CO2 penetration in the Mediterranean Sea, which in turn will affect its acidification.
Goyet C. & Touratier F., 2008. Temporal variations of anthropogenic CO2 concentrations in the Mediterranean Sea. In: Briand F. (Ed.), Impacts of acidification on biological, chemical and physical systems in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, pp. 35-38. Monaco: CIESM. Article.
