Two campaigns to measure transient tracers in the Atlantic Ocean (TTO/NAS and TTO/Equatorial) were funded by NSF during the period from 1980 to 1985. A complete data base for modelling this ocean basin would include a South Atlantic Study to: 1.Determine CO2 transports and their influence on world climate, 2.Constrain models of major ocean currents in this area, and 3.Confirm an observed 5-fold increase in the addition rate of new carbon to the thermocline. Eight components of such a study (SAVE) will be performed by investigators from LDGO, Princeton, University of Washington, WHOI, and SIO. The track record of these scientists is well established by successful completion of previous studies in the Equatorial and North Atlantic. They will provide physical and chemical expertise which will be directed toward a cooperative effort to reach the goals of the geochemical study. This component integrates historical physical oceanographic data (GEOSECS, IGY, Discovery, and Meteor) with physical and chemical data from SAVE to evaluate ventilation mechanisms in the South Atlantic. Specifically, tracers will be used to complete the physical model of interbasin exchange, thermocline ventilation, water mass formation, and water mass spreading. The historical intercomparisons could have considerable relevance to the earth's climatic cycles. Variability of water masses less voluminous than deep water masses known to cause large decadal- scale changes in Co2 levels will be assesed.
