IMaging Ocean Sinkers for evaluating carbon export fluxes

Project Information

IMOS

Grant agreement ID: 101032903

DOI

10.3030/101032903

Project closed

EC signature date 9 March 2021

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 31 August 2025

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 245 732,16

EU contribution

€ 245 732,16

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DE SEVILLA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - IMOS (IMaging Ocean Sinkers for evaluating carbon export fluxes)

Reporting period: 2024-09-01 to 2025-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Knowing how Earth will respond to increasing atmospheric CO2 is arguably the scientific question of our era, because all of humanity will be affected. The oceanic Biological Carbon Pump comprises wide-ranging processes that set carbon storage in the oceans’ interior and has a major role in reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Understanding the Biological Carbon Pump therefore allows us to predict the carbon sequestration capacity of the oceans, which will affect future climate. Earth system models (ESMs), including those used by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, are key tools for providing climate projections, but their reliability is challenged by the empirically based data on which they rely. Current ESMs pay special attention to the carbon cycle component however, at present, the ocean’s capacity to take up and store carbon via the Biological Carbon Pump is a key uncertainty in our understanding of the global carbon cycle and its response to anthropogenic perturbations.

The ultimate purpose of my research is to contribute to better quantifying the role of the oceans in the global carbon cycle. I aim at increasing the precision of the carbon export assessments in the oceans via the Biological Carbon Pump and the description of the key processes controlling it. To that purpose, I use high resolution underwater cameras, UVP (Underwater Vision Profiler) type, for particle imaging coupled to a novel autonomous platform that acts as a sediment trap. I use these experimental results as input parameters for stochastic simulations of particle dynamics in the ocean.

My research program is structured around three objectives (O) that I identify as key areas for describing the present and future role of the Biological Carbon Pump in global climate models:
- O1) to identify relationships between the optical properties of particles and the biological and mechanical properties of the carbon flux that determine the magnitude of the Biological Carbon Pump,
- O2) to quantify key parameters influencing carbon flux and its attenuation with depth as a function of the ecosystem,
- O3) to synthesize the results of previous research objectives to propose a novel standard method to reliably estimate carbon fluxes in contrasted ecosystems from particle images obtained with underwater cameras.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Key work performed includes data collection and instrumentation, integration of biological processes, development of parameterizations, and algorithm validation.

The main results achieved include: comprehensive dataset established from multiple cruises, validated algorithms that link biological imaging with carbon flux estimations, enhancing assessments of oceanic carbon dynamics, and refined global parameterizations based on empirical data, crucial for improving climate models.

Exploitation and dissemination overview:

- exploitation of results: algorithms developed can enhance precision in carbon dynamics assessments across various oceanic regions. improved parameterizations will contribute to more reliable climate models, aiding predictions of oceanic carbon cycling and climate change implications.
- dissemination efforts: findings have been shared through academic conferences (7 presentations), workshops (3 regular meetings, 2 synthesis meetings, 1 workshop), symposiums (3 attended), and journal publications (4 total: 3 published, 1 under review).

Public engagement activities:

- total outreach activities exceeded initial plans significantly.
- received 5 national awards (1 in 2023, 4 in 2024).
- delivered 19 invited talks and participated in 15 social media interviews.

The fellow's active engagement on social media contributed to national recognition in spain, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public interest. A bilingual personal website was maintained, enhancing the accessibility of research findings and updates. these outreach efforts underscored the importance of public engagement in science and facilitated meaningful conversations on global challenges.

In conclusion, the work performed during this reporting period has laid a solid foundation for advancing our understanding of oceanic carbon dynamics and their role in the global carbon cycle. Ongoing exploitation and dissemination efforts will ensure that these results inform future research and climate action initiatives effectively.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

IMOS project has made significant strides beyond the current state of the art in oceanic carbon research. By integrating high-resolution imaging technology with advanced algorithmic approaches, we have developed a novel framework for accurately assessing carbon export through the Biological Carbon Pump (BCP). This integration enables real-time monitoring of carbon dynamics, providing insights that were previously unattainable with conventional methods.

Our innovative use of the Underwater Vision Profiler (UVP) on autonomous platforms has allowed for unprecedented data collection on particle dynamics and composition. The refined regional parameterizations for BCP efficiency and carbon flux attenuation developed during this project represent a substantial advancement in the field. These parameterizations will not only enhance our understanding of carbon cycling in the western north atlantic but will also be adaptable for use in other oceanic regions, setting a new standard for future research.

As the project progresses toward its conclusion, we anticipate several key outcomes: comprehensive database, algorithm refinement, and global parameterization framework.

Ongoing outreach efforts are expected to amplify the dissemination of research findings, fostering a greater understanding of oceanic carbon dynamics among both the scientific community and the general public.

The potential impacts of the IMOS project extend across various domains:

- Socio-economic impact: the improved understanding of carbon dynamics can inform policymakers and stakeholders involved in marine resource management and climate action initiatives. These improved assessments are directly relevant to several EU policies focused on climate change and environmental management, such as the European Green Deal, Climate Adaptation Strategy, and Integrated Maritime Policy.

- Wider societal implications: by bridging the gap between scientific research and public awareness, the project aims to promote informed discussions on climate change and the vital role of oceans in the carbon cycle. The outreach initiatives have the potential to engage diverse audiences, fostering a culture of scientific literacy and encouraging proactive measures in environmental conservation.

- Scientific community contributions: the methodologies and findings from this project will provide valuable resources for future research, facilitating collaboration across disciplines. By establishing a new benchmark in carbon dynamics research, the imos project will inspire subsequent studies and initiatives focused on addressing the complexities of oceanic carbon cycling.

In conclusion, the imos project not only enhances the scientific understanding of carbon dynamics but also contributes to broader societal goals related to climate action, environmental stewardship, and public engagement. The ongoing results will ensure that the project leaves a lasting legacy in both scientific research and societal awareness.

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