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Developing a coupled benthic-pelagic biogeochemical model to evaluate the effectiveness of mCDR interventions

Methane seeps from the benthos in the Atlantic. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration
  • Principal Investigator(s): Cristina Schultz
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2023

Why we care
The ocean seafloor, or benthos, serves as the only long-term storage of oceanic carbon on geologic timescales. However, the interaction between ocean water and sediments and its role in carbon storage is a major knowledge gap. Understanding this feedback is important for assessing the duration of carbon storage for ocean carbon dioxide removal methods that store it in seafloor sediments. 

What we will do
This project will develop a model to represent the exchange, transformations, and storage of carbon and nutrients in the sediments. The model will also simulate ecosystem interactions in sediments and assess the efficiency of seaweed aquaculture and benthic ecosystem restoration. Both methods may result in either carbon storage or production under different conditions. 

Benefits of the work
Ultimately, this project will develop a modeling framework capable of resolving a range of marine carbon dioxide removal concerns related to durability, additionality, verifiability, and other aspects of sediment processes in ocean models.

Award amount: $1,258,967
Funding source(s): NOAA
IRA funding? Yes
Project duration: 4 years

Investigators
Cristina Schultz, Northeastern University
Jessica Luo,  NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
Damien Brady, University of Maine, Walpole
Enrique Curchister, Rutgers University
Samantha Siedlecki, University of Connecticut
Charles Stock, NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
Jeremy Testa, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences (UMCES)

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ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

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TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action