UKOARP Theme B: Ocean acidification impacts on sea surface biology, biogeochemistry and climate
The overall aim of this theme is to obtain a quantitative understanding of the impact of ocean acidification (OA) on the surface ocean biology and ecosystem and on the role of the surface ocean within the overall Earth System.
The aims of the theme are:
- To ascertain the impact of OA on planktonic organisms (in terms of physiological impacts, morphology, population abundances and community composition).
- To quantify the impacts of OA on biogeochemical processes affecting the ocean carbon cycle (both directly and indirectly, such as via availability of bio-limiting nutrients).
- To quantify the impacts of OA on the air-sea flux of climate active gases (DMS and N 2 O in particular).
The main consortium activities will consist of in-situ measurements on three dedicated cruises, as well as on-deck bioassay experiments probing the response of the in-situ community to elevated CO 2 . Most of the planned work will be carried out on the three cruises to locations with strong gradients in seawater carbon chemistry and pH; the Arctic Ocean, around the British Isles and the Southern Ocean.
Weblink: http://www.oceanacidification.org.uk/research_programme/surface_ocean.aspx
