Science
 
< Research Projects List

 
Overview

Potential Response
Increasing acidification may speed the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria, reducing oxygen levels, affecting marine life and potentially releasing other greenhouse gases.

Researcher
Steven Hallam
Institute
University of British Columbia

Background
Ocean acidification is thought to be contributing to low-oxygen zones in the oceans, which offer fertile breeding grounds for organisms that capture CO2 but do not photosynthesise and so do not release oxygen into the waters. When these organisms die, they are broken down by bacteria, a process which consumes more of the low levels of oxygen in the area and releases carbon dioxide. This eventually leaves the seawater unable to support advanced aquatic life.

If oxygen concentrations in the water fall to an extremely low level, the carbon compounds in these plants are converted into nitrous oxide, not carbon dioxide, which could escape into the atmosphere.

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. It also attacks the ozone layer and causes acid rain.
 
Planned Research
Research is needed to determine whether these effects can be observed in the Arctic Ocean, and if there are any correlations between increasing CO2 levels with increasing biological breakdown of organic matter.

To do so oxygen levels will be analysed at different depths using an oxygen sensor. Microbes and bacteria that may increase deoxygenation of the water will also be analysed.


SIGN UP FOR UPDATES
We'll email you when next year's expedition launches
 
IMAGE OF THE DAY
Last of the kit being shipped from Resolute Bay
Dom_explorer
posted by
Explorer Team
Tue 18 May
The Explorers Are Back Home
Following a joyous reunion at Heathrow Airport, the three explorers are now back home with their families enjoying some much-needed rest & recuperation....
more >
Dom_icebase
posted by
Ice Base Team
Sat 01 May
The Ice Base Has Been Dismantled
The Ice Base has now been dismantled and the scientists have returned to their respective institutions to continue their research into ocean acidification....
more >
RECENT BLOGS & NEWS
Clearing Up, Clearing Out and Coming Home
Explorers Reach North Pole After 60 Day Survey Trek
Physiological Effects
Final Thoughts from the Ice Base
GRAB OUR WEB WIDGET
JOIN OUR GROUP
TWITTER
 
Narwhals are the 'marathon runners' of the Arctic http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8972000/8972021.stm
Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:11:06