Award: OCE-1220302

As CO2 builds up in our atmosphere, ocean water pH gets more and more acidic. Ocean acidity can impact ocean ecosystem health, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells (gastropods, tiny plants, tiny shelled consumers). As the ocean becomes more acidic, these shells dissolve. Many of these organisms cannot live without shells. As a consequence, the whole-ocean food web is impacted.

 

Our study is about how well the deep ocean can ‘buffer’ itself against acidification, like TUMS antacid for your stomach, these shells help the ocean from getting too acidic. But just how effective are they—that is the question we address. We made measurements of the amount of carbonate shells in the surface ocean, how many are sinking, how many reach the sea floor and how the ocean chemistry varies in depth and distance between Hawaii and Alaska. We also measured the rate of dissolution of these grains at different locations and depths using a unique device we built. With this information, we’ll be able to predict how ocean acidification will proceed and intensify or be ameliorated.

 

A large part of a scientific research cruise, such as the one we completed in August, is the goal to teach a younger generation about ocean research and to be open to the joys of discovery. We had only 3 senior scientists on board the research ship, meaning we took 19 junior scientists for this voyage. For many, this was their first ever research trip on a ship. In sailing from Hawaii to Alaska we encountered many ‘teaching opportunities’ and discovered new things about the ocean. We also discovered terrible things, such as the amount of floating plastic trash, especially around 40° N. This discovery, seeing the amount of plastic in the ocean first-hand, left an impression that will last a lifetime.  By taking two film-makers on board the ship, we now have footage that will go into documentaries and short clips that will help educate the public about ocean chemistry in general and ocean acidification, particularly.

 

 

Last Modified: 01/29/2018
Modified by: William M Berelson