A new method for continuous measurements of oceanic and atmospheric N2O, CO and CO2: performance of off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) coupled to non-dispersive infrared detection (NDIR).

Arevalo-Martinez, Damian L. , Beyer, Maya, Krumbholz, Marita, Piller, Inga, Kock, Annette , Steinhoff, Tobias, Körtzinger, Arne and Bange, Hermann W. (2013) A new method for continuous measurements of oceanic and atmospheric N2O, CO and CO2: performance of off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) coupled to non-dispersive infrared detection (NDIR). Open Access Ocean Science, 9 (6). pp. 1071-1087. DOI 10.5194/os-9-1071-2013.

[thumbnail of ARÉVALO-MARTÍNEZ ET AL 2013.pdf]
Preview
Text
ARÉVALO-MARTÍNEZ ET AL 2013.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0.

Download (3MB) | Preview

Supplementary data:

Abstract

A new system for continuous, highly-resolved oceanic and atmospheric measurements of N2O, CO and CO2 is described. The system is based upon off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) and a non-dispersive infrared analyzer (NDIR) both coupled to a Weiss-type equilibrator. Performance of the combined setup was evaluated by testing its precision, accuracy, long-term stability, linearity and response time. Furthermore, the setup was tested during two oceanographic campaigns in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean in order to explore its potential for autonomous deployment onboard voluntary observing ships (VOS). Improved equilibrator response times for N2O (2.5 min) and CO (45 min) were achieved in comparison to response times from similar chamber designs used by previous studies. High stability of the OA-ICOS analyzer was demonstrated by low optimal integration times of 2 and 4 min for N2O and CO respectively, as well as detection limits of < 40 ppt and precision better than 0.3 ppb Hz−1/2. Results from a direct comparison of the method presented here and well-established discrete methods for oceanic N2O and CO2 measurements showed very good consistency. The favorable agreement between underway atmospheric N2O, CO and CO2 measurements and monthly means at Ascension Island (7.96°S 14.4°W) further suggests a reliable operation of the underway setup in the field. The potential of the system as an improved platform for measurements of trace gases was explored by using continuous N2O and CO2 data to characterize the development of the seasonal equatorial upwelling in the Atlantic Ocean during two RV/ Maria S. Merian cruises. A similar record of high-resolution CO measurements was simultaneously obtained offering for the first time the possibility of a comprehensive view on the distribution and emissions of these climate relevant gases on the area. The relatively simple underway N2O/CO/CO2 setup is suitable for long-term deployment on board of research and commercial vessels although potential sources of drift such as cavity temperature and further technical improvements towards automation still need to be addressed.

Document Type: Article
Funder compliance: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/FP7/284274
Additional Information: WOS:000328542800007
Keywords: OA-ICOS Underway measurements Nitrous oxide Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide
Research affiliation: OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R07

OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence
OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB2 Marine Biogeochemistry > FB2-CH Chemical Oceanography
OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R10
OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R11
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: Yes
Publisher: Copernicus Publications (EGU)
Projects: Future Ocean, SOPRAN, InGOS
Expeditions/Models/Experiments:
Date Deposited: 03 Sep 2013 07:53
Last Modified: 23 Sep 2019 19:22
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/21900

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item