Molecular hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the ocean and the atmosphere /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1989.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | In order to understand the geochemistry of molecular hydrogen and carbon monoxide their distributions were studied in a variety of environments. Both gases appear to be highly reactive and geochemically important. Atmospheric hydrogen and carbon monoxide were measured locally and in the Pacific. The two trace gases were significantly correlated in continental air but not in marine air. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide concentrations in College Station, Texas, averaged 0.53 ppmv and 0.28 ppmv, respectively. The concentrations of both trace gases were influenced by local traffic conditions, with generally higher levels during the weekday morning and afternoon peak traffic periods. The lowest levels of both gases occurred during the midnight to 0600 time period. In the Pacific, atmospheric hydrogen concentrations were similar to those seen in the local area and averaged 0.51 ppmv between Tahiti and 15°N latitude, and 0.49 ppmv between 15 and 30°N. Atmospheric carbon monoxide concentrations in the South Pacific were five times lower than those seen locally and averaged 0.056 ppmv. North of the equator, carbon monoxide concentrations increased steadily to 0.190 ppmv. Dissolved hydrogen concentrations in the open ocean were highest in regions characterized by strong gradients in temperature, salinity, or nutrients, which indicates a relationship between hydrogen production and regions of increased biological activity. Surface hydrogen concentrations were generally two to three times atmospheric equilibrium levels and a subsurface maximum was often observed. Dissolved hydrogen concentrations in the mesocosm tanks at the Marine Ecosystems equilibrium levels. Hydrogen concentrations were not related to the level of nutrient loading in the tanks nor to chlorophyll a concentrations. Hydrogen was present in sediments from all tanks in the fall, but not in the spring. This reflects a seasonal variation in sedimentary microbial degradation processes.. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Oceanography." |
| Physical Description: | xiv, 204 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |