(American Geophysical Union, 2005-12-10)
Zemmelink, Hendrik J.; Houghton, Leah A.; Dacey, John W. H.; Worby, A. P.; Liss, P. S.
The distribution of dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP)
and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was examined in lead water in pack ice of the Weddell
Sea. Samples were taken by pulling water into a syringe from a series of depths from
0.002 m to 4 m and deeper. Concentrations of DMS, DMSP and DMSO remained low
throughout the water column relative to surface water, which was highly enriched.
Concentrations of the major sulfur compounds increased by over an order of magnitude
during periods with smooth surface water conditions. This increase coincided with a
profound stratification of the water column, caused by a decrease in salinity of near
surface water. We estimate that the DMS emission from leads and open water in
Antarctic sea ice could contribute significantly to the yearly DMS flux from the Southern
Ocean.
