Tracer of Ocean Circulation
Since the time history of CFC concentrations in the atmosphere is relatively well known, they have provided an important constraint on ocean circulation. CFCs dissolve in seawater at the ocean surface and are subsequently transported into the ocean interior. Since CFCs are conservative, their concentration in the ocean interior reflects simply the convolution of their atmospheric time evolution and ocean circulation and mixing.
Read more about this topic: Chlorofluorocarbon
Famous quotes containing the words ocean and/or circulation:
“Here, in this little Bay,
Full of tumultuous life and great repose,
Where, twice a day,
The purposeless, glad ocean comes and goes,”
—Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore (1823–1896)
“We did not heed the sentries at the gate, nor did they us, and what under the sun they were placed there for, unless to hinder a free circulation of the air, was not apparent.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)