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The overlooked contribution of the seasonal mixed layer pump to carbon export in low-latitude oceans

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  • Chao Xu

    (Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
    Xiamen University, National Observation and Research Station for the Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology
    Advanced Institute for Marine Studies, Fujian Ocean Innovation Center
    Duke University, Division of Earth and Climate Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment)

  • Nicolas Cassar

    (Duke University, Division of Earth and Climate Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment
    CNRS, LEMAR, IRD, Ifremer, University of Brest)

  • Andrew F. Thompson

    (California Institute of Technology, Environmental Science and Engineering)

  • Yuchen Zhang

    (Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
    Xiamen University, National Observation and Research Station for the Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology)

  • Haili Wang

    (Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science)

  • Xin Liu

    (Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
    Xiamen University, National Observation and Research Station for the Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology
    Advanced Institute for Marine Studies, Fujian Ocean Innovation Center)

  • Bangqin Huang

    (Xiamen University, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science
    Xiamen University, National Observation and Research Station for the Taiwan Strait Marine Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology
    Advanced Institute for Marine Studies, Fujian Ocean Innovation Center)

Abstract

The seasonal mixed layer pump (MLP) is an important pathway transporting organic carbon from the upper ocean to the ocean interior. While the MLP’s export role has been well-studied in high latitudes, its contribution in low latitudes remains uncertain. Here, we quantify the seasonal MLP-driven carbon export (EMLP) in low-latitude oceans using data from 26 biogeochemical profiling floats. Our analysis reveals that EMLP ranges from −0.9 to 7.6 g C m−2 yr−1, contributing up to 53% of carbon export in certain areas. We find the relative positions of the mixed layer depth, euphotic depth, and nitracline depth regulate EMLP strength in low-latitude oceans. Global extrapolation of these observations across low-latitude oceans yields a total EMLP of 0.07 ± 0.02 Pg C yr−1, 75% higher than previous estimates, underscoring the previously underestimated role of the seasonal MLP in low-latitude oceans. These results reveal the controlling mechanisms of low-latitude seasonal MLP and highlight its disproportionately important role in regional ecosystems, particularly in oligotrophic oceans where carbon export pathways are limited.

Suggested Citation

  • Chao Xu & Nicolas Cassar & Andrew F. Thompson & Yuchen Zhang & Haili Wang & Xin Liu & Bangqin Huang, 2025. "The overlooked contribution of the seasonal mixed layer pump to carbon export in low-latitude oceans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65710-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65710-2
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