Recent research from the United States has unveiled significant findings regarding the ocean's role in carbon dioxide absorption, which could reshape climate models. Conducted by a team from Stanford University, Rutgers University, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the study published on October 11, 2024, in Science, utilized a rotating gravity machine to simulate the behavior of marine snow in the ocean.
Traditionally, it was believed that oceans absorbed approximately 26 percent of global CO2 emissions, with marine snow—a term for organic particles that sink through the water—playing a crucial role in this process. However, the new study reveals that these particles do not descend as quickly as previously thought. The researchers discovered that marine snow produces mucus tails that create drag, effectively slowing their fall and allowing carbon to remain in the upper layers of the ocean.
"We’re talking roughly hundreds of gigatonnes of discrepancy if you don’t include these marine snow tails," stated Manu Prakash, a bioengineer at Stanford and co-author of the study. This finding suggests that existing models, which estimate how much carbon the oceans sequester, may need significant adjustments.
The implications extend beyond academic research; they could impact start-ups in the marine carbon geoengineering sector. These companies rely on accurate numerical models to demonstrate the efficacy of their carbon capture techniques to investors and the public. If the foundational models are flawed, it could hinder the development of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing ocean carbon sequestration.
The research team conducted their experiments off the coast of Maine, using a specially designed gravity machine that simulates the marine environment. The device allows for real-time observation of marine snow as it interacts with its surroundings, revealing the previously invisible mucus tails that alter its descent.
As scientists work to refine climate models, this research not only enhances understanding of carbon dynamics but also emphasizes the need for improved methodologies in studying oceanic processes. The findings could lead to more accurate predictions of carbon export to the deep ocean, a critical aspect of managing global carbon levels.
In addition to their focus on marine snow, the researchers are also investigating other plankton species that may influence climate models. This ongoing work aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ocean's complex role in the global carbon cycle.