Abstract
Carbonyl sulfide (COS) measurements in the surface waters of the temperate and subtropical North Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico showed COS to be supersaturated with respect to atmospheric equilibrium at almost all locations and times investigated. Its concentration follows a pronounced diel cycle which can be modeled using a simple equation which includes hydrolysis removal and photochemical production. The concentration and ocean/atmosphere flux of COS depends strongly on marine productivity, the highest levels being found in coastal and shelf waters. Analysis of presently available data yields an estimate of 13 Gmol yr(-1) (0.41 Tg S(COS) yr(-1)) for the total flux of COS from the oceans to the atmosphere.