DISTRIBUTION OF SI-32 IN THE WORLD OCEAN - MODEL COMPARED TO OBSERVATION

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.