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The influence of hurricanes on the ocean carbon cycle and exchange of carbon between ocean and atmosphere is not well understood. Observations from the Sargasso Sea are presented, before and after hurricane Felix. A short-lived surface seawater cooling of around 4 degrees C was observed, and a fall in seawater partial pressure of Co(sub2) by about 60 muatm was seen. The efflux of CO(sub2) from ocean to atmosphere was increased by strong winds.

Measurements of abiotic and biotic carbon transport in Sargasso Sea off Bermuda reveals that carbon sinking in spring, summer and early autumn is three times greater than the measured biotic and abiotic carbon fluxes. This difference in measurements is due to the inefficiency of sediment traps to accurately measure sinking particles or due to the failure to account for surface advection of carbon. The comparisons of 234Th-scavenging profiles and analysis of 234Th collected by the traps highlight the inaccuracy of trap measurements.

The measurement of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) near Bermuda indicates that the oceanic carbon component of this region forms a dynamic part of the ocean carbon cycle. The accumulation of DOC occurs in early spring, caused by primary production of carbon. The DOC, which is not subjected to remineralization, escapes from the ocean in winter. The measurement of this liberated carbon reveals that it is more than the measured particle flux, indicating its active function in the ocean carbon cycle.