New Methods to Measure Ocean Carbon Export
Recent advancements in oceanography have led to improved methods for measuring carbon export from the ocean. This is crucial for understanding the Earth’s climate. Researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and Florida State University have developed a new approach that utilises satellite data to enhance predictions of carbon export. Their findings, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, highlight the importance of monitoring the ocean’s role in carbon cycling.
About Carbon Export
Carbon export refers to the process by which carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean and subsequently sequestered in deeper waters. Oceanic processes involve phytoplankton, which convert carbon dioxide into organic material through photosynthesis. This organic material can sink to the ocean floor, effectively locking away carbon for extended periods.
The Role of Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that thrive in the sunlit surface layer of the ocean. They play a very important role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing organic carbon. Satellite ocean colour data helps estimate phytoplankton productivity but often fails to capture below-surface dynamics.
Coastal Upwelling and Marine Life
Coastal upwelling, particularly in regions like the California Current, promotes high phytoplankton productivity. Nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, supporting marine ecosystems. As marine life consumes phytoplankton, carbon is transferred through the food web. Eventually, dead phytoplankton and carbon-rich waste sink, contributing to the biological pump.
Data Integration and Modelling
MBARI’s Data Integration and Interdisciplinary Oceanography Team focuses on understanding ocean processes by integrating diverse datasets. They aim to decipher complex relationships between biological communities and environmental factors. Current models often overlook the time and spatial lags between phytoplankton productivity and carbon export.
The New Lagrangian Model
The researchers developed a Lagrangian growth-advection model to improve carbon export estimates. This model tracks plankton succession and their movement through ocean currents, denoting the impact of zooplankton on carbon export. It successfully predicts carbon export without relying solely on ocean colour data.
Future Research Directions
The new model opens avenues for further research into deep-sea carbon fluxes. Future studies will explore the mechanisms behind unexplained pulses of carbon observed at long-term monitoring sites. Machine learning techniques will also be employed to refine estimates of surface area catchment and investigate biological community dynamics.
Importance of Satellite Data
Utilising satellite data for wind and current patterns provides a complementary perspective to traditional models. This approach enhances the understanding of complex oceanographic processes and their influence on the carbon cycle. The marine research community is encouraged to build upon these findings for more accurate carbon export predictions.
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