RECENT CALCIUM-CARBONATE DISSOLUTION IN THE BARENTS SEA - PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS

Studies of benthic foraminifera in surface sediments of the Arctic, ep icontinental Barents Sea, show several indications of calcium carbonat e dissolution. Low values of calcium carbonate correspond to low ratio s of calcareous/agglutinating foraminifera, planktic/benthic foraminif era, high ratios of living/dead foraminifera, corroded calcareous fora minifera, and high numbers of exposed organic linings of foraminifera. Dissolution increases eastwards and northwards in the study area. We suggest that the dissolution is caused by the presence of dense, cold, saline and CO2-rich bottom water, which is linked to sea-ice producti on and the position of the Oceanic Polar Front. We also think calcium carbonate dissolution in this area indicates a sink for atmospheric CO 2.