Dispersion of CO2 droplets in the deep ocean

Dispersion of CO2 droplets in the deep ocean under the influence of currents and turbulence has been investigated. It is shown that: (1) the concentration of the CO2 effluent can be described by Gaussian distributions under distorted coordinates; (2) ocean turbulence does not influence the direction of motion of the CO2 droplets; however, it can exert a significant influence on effective droplet velocities; and (3) deep ocean currents alter the direction of droplet motion, distorting the droplet cloud. Both deep currents and marine turbulence can favorably affect CO2 discharge in the ocean by enhancing dissolution and limiting local environmental impacts. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.