Sponsors: U.S. National Science Foundation, SCOR

Date Approved: 1999

Date Disbanded:

Terms of Reference

• To explain the terms "export production" and "new production" and their inter-relation. How does the carbon flux determined using traps and ²³⁴Th relate to export production?
• To review the current status of carbon export flux determination using moored and floating sediment traps, their advantages and problems, associated uncertainties and their magnitudes. To suggest suitable trap designs and necessary protocols to get reliable flux data.
• To review the basis of ²³⁴Th based carbon export flux measurements, models, assumptions and parameters used in the calculations. To assess the reliability of these assumptions/parameters, the sources and magnitudes of associated uncertainties. (For example: How do the time scales of sampling, temporal variability in ²³⁴Th fluxes, POC/²³⁴Th ratio in different particulate pools affect the flux data?).
• To intercompare the carbon export fluxes determined by trap and ²³⁴Th methods. If they differ, what are the main causes of discrepancy and how can they be resolved?
• To suggest experimental design and protocols to be followed to obtain quantitative and reliable carbon export fluxes based on the above methods. Can ²³⁴Th serve as a global survey tool to determine carbon export fluxes?
• To prepare an interim report within 2 years and a final report in 2 years.

Meetings: