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Ocean Glow: Controls on ocean productivity using ocean fluorescence detected from space

Objective

Primary production in the ocean is critically important for human wellbeing - it regulates atmospheric carbon dioxide as well as sustaining almost all ocean life. But models predicting the impacts of climate change do not agree on the sign of ocean primary production in the coming century. Currently, satellite observations tell us how ocean primary productivity is changing, but not the underlying controls. Fieldwork and modelling show nutrient limitation is key, but there is currently no way to observe nutrient limitation at the scales needed to monitor climate change impacts or benchmark the accuracy of models. This project aims to overcome the scaling problem using direct, nutrient-regulated fluorescence signals passively emitted from phytoplankton and detected by satellite sensors in space. Although recorded for almost two decades, these signals have been confounded by uncertainty. In Ocean Glow I will take a two-pronged approach to break through the current blockage. In the first prong, a novel laboratory mesocosm facility will be constructed and used to quantify the key factors regulating phytoplankton fluorescence emission, in the same way that it is stimulated and detected by satellites. In the second prong I will connect these experimental results with the real world by undertaking field observations on research cruises through the global ocean, using approaches that I have pioneered in my previous research. Finally, I will use this ground-based assessment to perform data-informed deconvolution of the satellite fluorescence signal to observe nutrient limitation at a global, time-resolved scale using the existing, two-decade satellite record. In making a step change in the utility of satellite-detected fluorescence, Ocean Glow will deliver the tool needed to make mechanistic assessments of how climate change is impacting ocean productivity.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2021-STG

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Host institution

HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR OZEANFORSCHUNG KIEL (GEOMAR)
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 500 000,00
Address
WISCHHOFSTRASSE 1-3
24148 Kiel
Germany

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Region
Schleswig-Holstein Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 500 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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