Biogeochemical Parameters: Oxygen,

Abstract

A reduction in Dissolved Oxygen has been observed during the last few decades throughout the ocean, suggesting a general decrease in the ocean�s DO inventory. This is attributed to a number of factors, including warming (warm water can hold less oxygen than cold water), increased stratification (less mixing with oxygenated surface waters), and increased primary production in response to increased nutrient loading from land, which reduces oxygen at depth as organic matter is decomposed. Although there is more than one measurement type for DO, in this note limit itself to describing measurement principles for oxygen optodes.