Ocean Carbon Sensing

This project will develop new generation autonomous carbon chemistry sensors for our large oceans and water bodies globally.

The Problem

The existing global carbon observation network provides the foundation of carbon chemistry measurements to quantify and characterise ocean acidification, air sea CO2 flux and deep ocean carbon inventories.  This has traditionally been done by repeat hydrographic surveys, time-series stations, and ship-based underway surface observations in the open ocean and coastal waters, but new sensing technologies show promise to enable some measurements to be done by autonomous sensor platforms.  Additionally, Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) has been proposed to reduce the impact of the increasing atmospheric CO₂ levels, but this will need accurate monitoring to ensure the integrity of the storage structure and measure the impact of a potential leak on the carbon chemistry system.

Our solution

Reducing the size and complexity of moored sensors by developing compact pCO2 sensors, pH sensors and new autonomous DIC sensors, while improving calibration methods to allow for prolonged, autonomous, and reliable observations.  

Collaborators

This project is led by Erik van Ooijen and, supported by IWY postdoc Wayne Dillon and will involve collaborations with researchers in NCMI, Environment and NOAA PMEL.