Objective The size of marine particles controls many oceanic processes that ultimately affect the feedbacks between the ocean carbon cycle and the Earth's system. Among these processes the most significant are perhaps particle settling, aggregation and remineralization, because they modify the efficiency of the biological pump, i.e. the transfer of organic matter from the surface to the deep ocean. Size additionally controls the optical properties of particles that allow us to monitor the ocean carbon cycle from satellite sensors. Finally, the size of living marine particles (e.g. phytoplankton) is proportional to their carbon biomass and regulates many eco-physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient uptake and grazing.Despite its relevance, the size distribution of phytoplankton and marine particles is rarely measured in the open ocean, mainly due to limitations in current instrumentation. The main objective of this application is construct a break-through instrument that will exploit novel microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technologies to overcome current instrument limitations and measure the particle and phytoplankton size distributions over an unprecedented range of sizes. The new data will eventually reduce uncertainties in the ocean carbon cycle by, among others, improving estimates of phytoplankton carbon, enhancing our understanding of phytoplankton eco-physiology in-situ and improving our knowledge of sub-micron particles.Dr. Dall'Olmo's chances of reintegrating in the European Union will be significantly improved by participation to this project. This is because, he will be able to capitalize on the newly collected data for continuing publishing in peer-reviewed journals, generating new ideas and proposal applications, as well as establishing new collaborations within and outside the European Union. Fields of science engineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesmicrotechnologylab on a chipengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technologyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsagricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomassnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbotany Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG) Coordinator PLYMOUTH MARINE LABORATORY LIMITED Address Prospect place west hoe PL1 3DH Plymouth United Kingdom See on map Region South West (England) Devon Plymouth Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact David Loynes (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
