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Estimation of global surface ocean carbonate chemistry and other carbon related parameters with reference to climate change using satellite oceanographic data

Estimation of global surface ocean carbonate chemistry and other carbon related parameters with reference to climate change using satellite oceanographic data

Date25th Jan 2024

Time02:00 PM

Venue Seminar Hall, Department of Ocean Engineering

PAST EVENT

Details

Global warming caused by anthropogenic activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, land use land changes and global population growth intensifies the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the oceans. The increased concentration of CO2 changes the carbonate chemistry and other carbon related parameters in the ocean, resulting in increased acidity levels, a phenomenon known as ocean acidification. The carbonate chemistry of ocean water can be described by using four measurable parameters, such as the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), total alkalinity (TA), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and the potential of hydrogen (pH). The estimation of spatial (refers to location and distribution in space) and temporal (change over time) variability of carbonate chemistry and other carbon related parameters (particulate organic carbon, POC) in the global surface ocean waters plays a predominant role in better understanding of CO2 absorption, air-sea CO2 flux rates, sources and sinks of CO2, global carbon cycle and climate change, ocean acidification, productivity levels, physical and biogeochemical studies related to the ocean. For instance, pCO2 plays a crucial role in estimating air-sea CO2 flux rates as it measures the difference between air and seawater pCO2 levels, providing valuable insights into CO2 movement and its impact on the global carbon cycle. TA is another critical parameter used to investigate calcification and dissolution processes in the ocean. On the other hand, DIC is particularly important for understanding productivity levels and respiration dynamics in global ocean waters. Furthermore, pH is a significant indicator used to assess ocean acidification regions. A decrease in pH reflects higher acidity levels, which can have detrimental effects on marine organisms and ecosystems. Monitoring pH levels allows scientists to identify regions where ocean acidification is more pronounced and potentially address the associated ecological challenges. In addition to this, estimation of POC is essential for the studies of biological carbon export from the surface to the deep-ocean, carbon-based net primary production, phytoplankton growth rate and global carbon cycle. The magnitude and spatiotemporal variability of these parameters are significantly influenced by physical and biogeochemical processes, including physical mixing, biological production, calcification and dissolution, remineralization, ocean currents and circulations. However, obtaining spatiotemporal variability of carbonate chemistry and other carbon related parameters in-situ data on the dynamic ocean surface can be challenging due to the time-consuming, cost-intensive, and intricate nature of water sample collection, particularly during rough weather conditions. As an alternative, ocean remote sensing offers a promising solution, providing high spatial and temporal resolution data with extensive synoptic (large area) coverage. Despite the growing importance of understanding ocean acidification and its impacts, a global remote sensing-based methodology capable of analyzing the changes in ocean acidification across all crucial carbonate chemistry parameters at various spatial and temporal scales has not yet been established. To address this significant research gap and enhance the precision of estimating carbon-related parameters, the present study developed methodologies to estimate these parameters through a combination of in-situ and satellite-based observations. The insights gained from these advances are crucial for understanding global carbon cycles, particularly with an emphasis on the effects of climate change.

Speakers

Mr. KANDE VAMSI KRISHNA, ROLL NO. OE17D025

OCEAN ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT