The concentration of nitrous oxide (N₂O), an important greenhouse and ozone depleting gas, has been increasing rapidly in the atmosphere (figure, right).  N₂O can be produced and consumed in the ocean interior by a variety of processes (eg. nitrification, denitrification, ammonia oxidation).  Some of this N₂O escapes to the atmosphere and makes a significant (~30%) contribution to the atmospheric budget for this gas.  Production of N₂O in the water column is sensitive to dissolved oxygen concentrations.  The recently observed expansion of low oxygen zones in the ocean may significantly increase the rate of the production and export of N₂O to the atmosphere in the future.

Full water column measurements of dissolved N₂O were made by the PMEL Ocean Tracer group in pilot studies at the Hawaii Ocean Time-Series (HOT) site (right) and along two recent sections in the South Atlantic (below) as part of the global CLIVAR Repeat Hydrography/CO₂ Program. Dissolved N₂O measurements were made on the same samples as for the anthropogenic tracers CFC-11, CFC-12 and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). 

Dissolved N₂O concentrations in near-surface waters were on average slightly above equilibrium with the atmosphere.  Pronounced subsurface N₂O maxima were present in upper waters, usually associated with high Apparent Oxygen Utilization (AOU).  Deep and abyssal N₂O concentrations were on average slightly above modern atmospheric equilibrium.  Significant levels of CFCs were present in the N₂O maxima, indicating decadal time-scale communication of these waters with the sea surface.

Including N₂O measurements routinely on future CLIVAR cruises will allow the evolution of this signal in response to large scale changes in biogeochemical processes and ventilation in the global ocean to be determined.

Partial pressure N₂O (pN₂O) on CLIVAR A10 section along 30°S in 2010 (see map showing section line below).

Oxygen on CLIVAR A10 section along 30°S in 2010 (see map showing section line below).