(Table 1) Elements of the carbonate system in waters of the Straight of Sicily

Results of studies of the carbonate system elements, as well as calcium carbonate saturation in Mediterranean waters are discussed. The study was based on data obtained during the 18-th cruise of R/V Akademik Kurchatov in April 1974. A method for calculating elements of the carbonate system and saturation of seawater with neutral and acid salts of carbonic acid is presented. The entire water column, from the surface to the bottom, in the vicinity of the Strait of Sicily is significantly supersaturated with calcium carbonate. Partial pressure of dissolved carbon dioxide is below the equilibrium value of CO2 partial pressure in the atmosphere. Low concentration of CO2 is reported for deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea because of their good aeration and low biological productivity of surface waters.