The Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry (OCB) Program is soliciting proposals for OCB activities that will take place during the 2018 calendar year. OCB seeks proposals for scoping workshops and smaller group activities in OCB-relevant research areas, including ocean acidification.
Archive for the 'Projects' Category
Ocean acidification more rapid in coastal oceans
Published 22 September 2017 Projects , Science , Web sites and blogs Leave a CommentNew research under the joint NCCOS Competitive Research Program and NOAA Ocean Acidification Program finds the combined effects of anthropogenic and biological carbon dioxide (CO2) inputs may lead to more rapid acidification in Chesapeake Bay and other coastal water compared to the open ocean. The results indicate that eutrophication can exacerbate ocean acidification (OA) where animal and plant respiration contributes a far greater acidification in the coastal oceans relative to the open ocean.
The study, led by Dr. Wei-Jun Cai of the University of Delaware, is part of a NCCOS-sponsored project team studying interactions between OA and eutrophication in estuaries. “The study shows for the first time that the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia from the bottom waters could be a major contributor to lower pH in coastal oceans and may lead to more rapid acidification in coastal waters compared to the open ocean” says Dr. Cai, in the online University of Delaware’s UDaily. Increased acidification can dissolve the calcium carbonate in the shells of valuable clams, oysters, and certain plankton and lead to poor acid buffering capacity of the water.
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By designing experiments directly targeting our values scientists can achieve more effective scientific communication. Recent research at the University of Gothenburg has shown that art and emotions can help scientists play a key role in getting people to take action based on knowledge.
Marine biologist Sam Dupont during the school project “I am the Ocean”.
The increasing destruction and pollution of the ocean subsequently threatens humanity by putting at risk the countless services provided by marine ecosystems. In the face of global changes such as warming and ocean acidification, only collective action can lead to the needed mitigation and adaptation measures.
When it comes to the responsibility of society for causing these changes, the scientific evidence is strong. But it is complicated by competing values, uncertainties and complexity in causation. The scientific community is still struggling to deliver strong messages to citizens and policymakers.
Ocean acidification awareness day (video)
Published 13 September 2017 Events , Projects Leave a CommentOpening of the new Ocean CArbon Data System (OCADS) Project
Published 18 August 2017 Projects , Science Leave a CommentMessage to the Ocean Carbon Community from Alex Kozyr, NOAA Affiliate:
Dear Ocean Carbon Scientists,
We are pleased to announce that NOAA/NCEI has opened the new Ocean CArbon Data System, (OCADS) Project (former CDIAC Ocean) web page for public use. The OCADS web site address is https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/ocads/
OCADS is responsible for hosting and providing access for ocean carbon data collected from around the world, as previously performed by the Oceans component of the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC-Oceans) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
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In collaboration with the Climate Science Alliance – Climate Kids Program, this field trip explores how Cabrillo scientist investigate climate change and ocean acidification in the Rocky Intertidal ecosystem. Through a two part trip, students will learn how ocean acidification works, how it affects the animals at the park, and actions they can take to help.
Climate Kids is a series of community level collaborative projects that provide youth education on climate change through science activities, storytelling, and art. Each Climate Kids project brings together local artists, scientists, educators, and storytellers to engage students of all socioeconomic levels and inspire them to become environmental stewards.
Through partnerships with climate scientists and qualified educators, we encourage curiosity about the natural world while providing youth the tools necessary to make educated decisions about how to protect our planet in the future.
Two Saildrones collecting OA data are on their way to the Bering Strait
Published 31 July 2017 Media coverage , Projects Leave a Comment
Photo credit: NOAA
In mid July, two autonomous vehicles resembling small sailboats set off from Dutch Harbor in an effort to help scientists better understand ocean acidification in the Bering Sea and Arctic waters. Known as Saildrones, the vehicles are about the size of a Hobie Cat sailboat and are capable of traveling unsupported for thousands of miles using only wind and solar energy. In the past few years, NOAA scientists have conducted pilot work using the Saildrones in the Bering Sea, however this is the first year a Saildrone will be actively collecting ocean acidification parameters and sailing into the Arctic ocean.
Jessica Cross, an oceanographer with NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Lab, is a principal investigator on the project. Cross notes, “The Saildrones are a really important asset for Arctic surveys. They can reach farther and carry more sensors than ever before, and most important—they are fast and flexible!” The Saildrones can access newly emerging features on short notice, adding a lot of adaptability to current research tactics.
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