ABSTRACT

Previous estimates of the decomposition of calcium carbonate and organic carbon in deep ocean water are subject to inaccuracies due to (1) the effect of phosphate released from the decomposition of organic matter on titration alkalinity not being properly evaluated, (2) the variation of the preformed properties not being considered, and (3) the input of anthropogenic CO₂ not being corrected for. More accurate results are presented here for selected stations in the South Pacific.