Why ocean deserts matter: Phytoplankton productivity in oligotrophic waters. This project aims to revisit the role of ocean deserts in the global ocean primary production. Because of their extent, these areas are paradoxically responsible for about half the global ocean carbon fixation. The project will use a unique combination of optical and biogeochemical data from a research voyage in the Indian Ocean, biogeochemical models and satellite observations, expecting to generate new knowledge on th ....Why ocean deserts matter: Phytoplankton productivity in oligotrophic waters. This project aims to revisit the role of ocean deserts in the global ocean primary production. Because of their extent, these areas are paradoxically responsible for about half the global ocean carbon fixation. The project will use a unique combination of optical and biogeochemical data from a research voyage in the Indian Ocean, biogeochemical models and satellite observations, expecting to generate new knowledge on the link between biogeochemical and optical quantities accessible to satellite remote sensing. Expected outcomes are improved estimates of phytoplankton carbon biomass and productivity, in particular in the Indian Ocean. A key benefit will be an improved end-user relevance of satellite monitoring of Australia’s oceans.Read moreRead less
Robotic investigation of water optical properties in the Southern Ocean. The project aims to improve our understanding of light–matter interactions in the waters of the Southern Ocean (SO), in particular the role of phytoplankton and associated material of biological origin. Phytoplankton are the energy source for the food web and a critical component of carbon cycling in the SO. However, their dynamics in the SO cannot be quantified using satellite observations because bio-optical data processi ....Robotic investigation of water optical properties in the Southern Ocean. The project aims to improve our understanding of light–matter interactions in the waters of the Southern Ocean (SO), in particular the role of phytoplankton and associated material of biological origin. Phytoplankton are the energy source for the food web and a critical component of carbon cycling in the SO. However, their dynamics in the SO cannot be quantified using satellite observations because bio-optical data processing algorithms perform poorly due to a lack of field data. This project seeks to remedy this by improving understanding of SO bio-optics, and by providing novel algorithms of known uncertainty, based on in situ data.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100668
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,000.00
Summary
Are corals able to control their calcification in a changing ocean? The project aims to develop a new understanding of fundamental mechanisms responsible for coral calcification and its ability to acclimate to global warming and ocean acidification. Mineral skeleton formation by coral is the key process controlling the creation of reef structures upon which entire ecosystems depend. Despite the importance of coral to the function of reef ecosystems, how calcification works mechanistically within ....Are corals able to control their calcification in a changing ocean? The project aims to develop a new understanding of fundamental mechanisms responsible for coral calcification and its ability to acclimate to global warming and ocean acidification. Mineral skeleton formation by coral is the key process controlling the creation of reef structures upon which entire ecosystems depend. Despite the importance of coral to the function of reef ecosystems, how calcification works mechanistically within coral itself, and why small modifications of their physical and chemical habitat can have large effects on growth is presently poorly understood. This project seeks to provide this basic knowledge to improve our ability to assess the future of corals and help policy-makers take adequate measures to preserve coral reefs.Read moreRead less
Coupled physical and biogeochemical dynamics on the Australian North West Shelf. Information regarding the natural function of the Australian North West Shelf is urgently required to sustainably manage the often conflicting uses of the region. This project will study the role of ocean processes in driving ocean productivity on the North West Shelf and determine the impact of projected climate variability.