Helium isotopes help to constrain high-resolution model dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea

Science Highlights

11 January 2016

The terrigenic helium isotope distribution was simulated for the first time in the whole Mediterranean Sea, using a high-resolution model (NEMO-MED12) at one-twelfth of a degree horizontal resolution (6–8 km).

Together with providing valuable constraints on the crustal and mantle helium fluxes, the simulations and their comparisons with observations provide a new technique for improving the dynamical regional model. This is clearly illustrated by the confirmation of the shortcomings of the model dynamics in representing the deep ventilation of the Ionian sub-basin…

16 Ayache
Figure: Total δ 3He (sum of terrigenic, tritiugenic and atmospheric helium) model–data comparison along the Meteor M5 (September 1987) section. (a) Colour-filled contours indicate simulated δ 3He (%), whereas colour-filled dots represent in situ observations. (b) and (c): comparison of average vertical profiles for the Levantine and Ionian sub-basins, respectively; model results are in blue; red indicates in situ data. Click here to view the figure larger.

Reference:

Ayache, M., Dutay, J.-C., Jean-Baptiste, P., & Fourré, E. (2015). Simulation of the mantle and crustal helium isotope signature in the Mediterranean Sea using a high-resolution regional circulation model. /Ocean Science/, /11/(6), 965–978. doi:10.5194/os-11-965-2015

Latest highlights

Coupling copper and neodymium data highlights the importance of the margin sources for the copper oceanic cycle

Lemaitre and co-workers analysed the dissolved concentrations and isotopes along the GEOVIDE (GA01) section in the North Atlantic Ocean.

High levels of anthropogenic lead in the Indian Ocean

Yadav and her colleagues provide comprehensive insights into the distribution and sources of dissolved lead in the Indian Ocean.

Elevated methylmercury level in Arctic rain and aerosol linked to oceanic dimethylmercury emissions

He and colleagues highlight a previously underappreciated pathway of mercury transport, underscoring its significance to human health.

Unveiling the Complexity of Lead Distribution in the Pacific Ocean: Insights from the GEOTRACES GP15 Transect

This recent study by Jiang and colleagues investigates the distribution and sources of lead in the Pacific Ocean.

Rechercher