Objective Climate change driven by CO2 emissions from human activities is a significant challenge facing mankind. An important component of Earth’s carbon (C) cycle is the ocean’s biological C pump; without it atmospheric CO2 would be ~50% higher than it is now. The pump consists of sinking organic matter which is remineralised back into CO2 in the deep ocean. The depth at which remineralisation occurs is the main factor affecting the amount of organic C stored in the ocean. Currently we do not understand how or why remineralisation depth varies in time, which limits our ability to make robust predictions of how the future C cycle, and hence our climate, will change into the future. This is mainly due to the challenges of measuring remineralisation depth using conventional methods– a barrier which autonomous underwater vehicles are poised to overcome by providing high frequency data over long periods. This technological innovation will revolutionise our understanding of this important planetary C flux.I propose an ambitious project to address current uncertainties in remineralisation depth. GOCART encompasses new observations, obtained using cutting-edge technology and novel methodology, through to global climate modelling. Underwater glider deployments will be used to establish the characteristics and significance of temporal variability in organic C flux and remineralisation depth during the most dynamic period of the year. This will enable new insights into the factors driving variability in remineralisation depth, ultimately leading to development of a new model parameterisation incorporating temporal variability. Using an innovative modelling framework, this parameterisation will be tested for its potential to improve predictions of ocean C storage. GOCART represents a significant advance in quantifying temporal variability in remineralisation depth, which is key to reducing uncertainty in model predictions of ocean C storage, and yet currently almost entirely unknown. Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwater treatment processeswastewater treatment processesengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementengineering and technologycivil engineeringwater engineeringengineering and technologycivil engineeringtransportation engineeringport and harbor engineeringengineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnology Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2016-COG - ERC Consolidator Grant Call for proposal ERC-2016-COG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant Coordinator NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE Net EU contribution € 1 460 766,25 Address European way SO14 3ZH Southampton United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southampton Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 1 460 766,25 Address European way SO14 3ZH Southampton See on map Region South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southampton Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 UNITED KINGDOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Participation ended United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 538 343,75 Address Polaris house north star avenue SN2 1FL Swindon See on map Region South West (England) Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area Swindon Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
