Amazon River propagation evidenced by a CO2 decrease at 8°N, 38°W in September 2013

The surface fugacity of CO2 (fCO2) has been measured hourly at a mooring at 8°N, 38°W, using a spectrophotometric CO2 sensor, from June to October 2013. In September 2013, the fCO2 and the sea surface salinity (SSS) decrease significantly. The high precipitation due to the presence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the propagation of low salinity waters from the Amazon River plume explain the decrease of SSS. Indeed, in fall, the retroflection of the North Brazil Current (NBC) feeds the North Equatorial Counter Current (NECC) and transports Amazon waters to the eastern part of the tropical Atlantic. Simulations from a three dimensional physical and biogeochemical model and observations at the mooring show that the Amazon plume reached the mooring in September 2013. The decrease of fCO2 is associated with a moderate peak of chlorophyll. Over the period of the CO2 observations, the site is a source of CO2 to the atmosphere of 0.65 ± 0.47 mmol m−2 day−1. Although the wind speed is at its lowest intensity in September 2013, the flux over the whole period would be about 14% higher without this month. Every month of September from 2006 to 2017, the model simulates a decrease of dissolved inorganic carbon corresponding to the SSS minimum. •Decrease of fCO2 and salinity observed at 8°N, 38°W in September 2013•Biogeochemical model in agreement with CO2 observations•Amazon propagation confirmed by Lagrangian experiment in September•Interannual variability of salinity and DIC due to surface ocean circulation