The model takes into account such factors as fluid dynamics, current velocity, water temperature, salinity and chemistry. Archer's model produced rising carbon dioxide levels that rise over the decades at the ocean surface where coral reefs grow. These areas are warmer than other parts of the ocean and therefore more buoyant and in more continuous contact with the atmosphere, he explained. Similar models are used to determine how much carbon is going into the ocean today. The amount in the atmosphere is increasing by three gigatons each year.
Ocean models predict that the ocean takes up another two gigatons annually.
Scientists suspect that the remaining two gigatons might be fertilizing terrestrial plants and soil in the Northern Hemisphere.