Calculations of the Si-32/SiO2 ratio obtained in ocean models are comp
ared with measurements of this ratio made as part of the GEOSECS progr
am (Somayajulu et al., 1987, 1991). A major difference is found; while
the models predict threefold to fivefold higher ratios in the deep At
lantic Ocean than in the deep Pacific and Indian oceans, no such diffe
rence is seen in the measurements. This points to a flaw in the measur
ements. Our modeling results suggest that the most interesting applica
tion for this 120-year half-life cosmogenic isotope is as a monitor of
upwelling. However, considering the expense and difficulty associated
with Si-32 measurements, such studies may prove impractical.