Distribution of total alkalinity in the Chukchi Sea of the Arctic Ocean in summer 2012.

As a part of the 2012 Korea-Polar Ocean Rapid Transition (K-PORT) program, the IBRV Araon occupied 44 hydrographic stations in the Chukchi Borderland and Medeleev Ridge of the Arctic Ocean from August 1 to September 10. In order to study for rapid climate changes and its impact on distribution of the inorganic CO2 system, 354 samples for total alkalinity (TA) were taken from Niskin bottle to 500 ml boro-silicate glass bottles on board.
Accurate measurement concerning spatio-temporal variability in CO2 in the water column is highly important to understanding of global carbon cycle and reliable prediction for the future atmospheric concentration of CO2. From flux study perspective of CO2, the Arctic Ocean has known as sink for atmospheric CO2. But there wasn't enough data, and sea ice have an ambiguous role of air-sea CO2 exchange so that further research must be conducted.