Researchers track land carbon transport across central Arctic Ocean

Researchers track land carbon transport across central Arctic Ocean (Image: Canva)

Researchers discovered sixteen percent of dissolved carbon comes from land. Around thirty-nine million tonnes of terrestrial carbon move annually northwards. This “forbidden” carbon originates from thawing permafrost, rivers and coastlines.

Who Conducted the Study?

Scientists from the Alfred Wegener Institute led the Arctic research team. They collaborated internationally during the MOSAiC expedition across the Arctic Ocean. The study highlights expertise in oceanography, climate science and chemistry. Much of this dissolved organic carbon remains chemically stable during transport.

Significance of this study

The carbon travels from land into the central Arctic Ocean. It persists even in deep waters far from coastal regions. The North Atlantic receives substantial quantities of this dissolved organic carbon.

The land-derived carbon influences Arctic Ocean’s carbon cycle and global climate. Increasing carbon input may alter marine ecosystems and long-term carbon storage. Previous climate models underestimated this terrestrial contribution in Arctic predictions.

How was the study conducted?

Scientists applied ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyse dissolved carbon. They distinguished molecules from land versus marine or ice-based sources.
Depth-resolved sampling revealed transport distances and chemical stability in seawater.

Implications for the Future

The Arctic is warming faster, which speeds up permafrost thaw and coastal erosion. The study shows how Arctic land and ocean systems are linked. The more land carbon may enter the ocean, which will change the global carbon balance.