Isotopic and micrometeorological ocean CO2 fluxes: Different time and space scales

Clarifications of the interpretation of the CO2 eddy flux measurements of Smith and Jones (1985) are offered in the context of criticisms by Broecker et al. (this issue). Downward pumping of CO2 and other atmospheric constituents by the pressurization of air entrained by breaking waves is considered to be a plausible mechanism. Apparent discrepancies between short-term “eddy flux” surface exchange rates and longer-term isotopic determinations can be resolved if short-term storage of dissolved gas in upper water layers is considered to influence only the former.