Distribution of total alkalinity in the Chukchi Sea of the Arctic Ocean in summer 2011.

In order to study for the effects on the processes controlling inorganic CO2 system during the summer ice-free condition in the Arctic Ocean, an intensive oceanographic survey using the IBRV Araon from July 30 to August 19 was performed in Mendeleyev Ridge, East Siberian Sea, and Chuckchi Borderland. At each site, 259 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.