Applications of the Data

The data can be used to calibrate and test models of ocean CO₂ uptake. Almost all of the successful ocean CO₂ models rely on the tracer approach and particularly carbon 14 and tritium. This approach is necessary because unlike atmospheric CO₂ there are no direct accurate methods for measuring ocean CO₂ for extended periods of time. Also, the early ocean CO₂ measurements are not accurate enough to be useful. Comparison of data from the GEOSECS program and the TTO data can also be made. The chemical tracer data provide information about deep ocean circulation and mixing processes. The correlation of carbon dioxide with many tracers will make it possible to study the flux of fossil fuel CO₂ into the ocean. The C14 data will provide estimates of the exchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the ocean, and C14 and tritium profile distributions are the basis for calibration models of ocean mixing.