Stable Isotope Signatures of N2O in the Ocean

将对氮和氧的同位素比率进行测量，以评估反硝化的全球意义。最近的研究表明，大多数海洋一氧化二氮产生于硝化作用的流行观点可能是错误的。预计蒙特利峡谷及其附近水域将为检验这一假说提供一个具有代表性的地点。一氧化二氮是海洋氮循环中的重要中间体，海洋各地都通过这种气体的演化而促成了“温室效应”。对N-15/N-14和0-18/0-16比例的实验室检查也将揭示在氧气浓度大于2.5微摩尔的水中是否会发生全球显著的反硝化作用的问题。

Measurements of isotopic ratios of nitrogen and oxygen will be made to evaluate the global significance of denitrification. Recent studies suggest the prevailing view that most marine nitrous oxide arises from nitrification may be in error. It is expected that Monterey Canyon and adjacent waters will provide a representative site for testing this hypothesis. Nitrous oxide is formed as an important intermediate in the marine nitrogen cycle, and all parts of the ocean contribute to the "greenhouse effect" by the evolution of this gas. Laboratory examination of the ratios of N-15/N-14 and 0-18/0-16 also will shed light on the question of whether or not globally significant denitrification can occur in water with oxygen concentrations greater than 2.5 micromolar.