virtual_mole_flux_of_dissolved_inorganic_carbon_into_sea_water mol m-2 s-1 [M2MS] The virtual flux of dissolved inorganic carbon into sea water, i.e. the flux that represents the dilution or concentration of the constituent by surface freshwater fluxes (precipitation, evaporation, runoff, sea ice melt and freezing) in a model in which these freshwater fluxes do not change the volume of sea water. Positive values increase the concentration in sea water.
In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. "Dissolved inorganic carbon" describes a family of chemical species in solution, including carbon dioxide, carbonic acid and the carbonate and bicarbonate anions. "Dissolved inorganic carbon" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute.