Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is a potent greenhouse gas and major stratospheric ozone‐depleting compound. While 30% of global N 2 O emissions are attributed to the oceans, there are still large uncertainties partly due to sparse data coverage. The eastern tropical Indian Ocean is an under‐sampled area which potentially acts as a source of atmospheric N 2 O. In this study, we present the most comprehensive, high‐resolution survey of surface water N 2 O concentrations and air‐sea fluxes in the region to date, spanning the equatorial area as well as open and near‐coastal waters of Bay of Bengal. We show significant spatial and temporal variability in N 2 O concentrations driven by upwelling, riverine inputs and monsoonal influence. The northern Bay of Bengal was identified as a hotspot for N 2 O emissions, while salinity‐driven stratification limited emissions in other areas. Overall, the Bay of Bengal contributes 0.9%–1.5% to global oceanic N 2 O emissions.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2025gl117627
Authors: Marcel Sommer, Hermann W. Bange, Paula Eisnecker, Gesa Schulz, Ina Stoltenberg, Damian L. Arévalo‐Martínez
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Awards: SO303 - BIOCAN-IIEO2: Biogeochemie des Kohlenstoffs und Stickstoffs im Arabischen Meer - ein Beitrag zur Internationalen Indian Ocean Expedition 2, Vorhaben: Stickstoffkreislauf und Koordination, SO305 - BIOCAT-IIEO2: Biogeochemische und Atmosphären Prozesse im Golf von Bengalen - Ein Beitrag zur International Indian Ocean Expedition 2 , Vorhaben: Der Kohlenstoffkreislauf, G903687637
OpenAlex ID: W4416593186