Ocean plankton found to absorb less CO2 than expected

In summary, recent research has shown that phytoplankton, the microscopic ocean-dwelling plants thought to be helping with global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, are actually not doing as well as expected. Satellite images of ocean color, which were previously used to measure photosynthetic biomass, are now believed to be misleading. Further studies have shown that in nutrient-poor waters, phytoplankton are deficient in nitrates and iron, resulting in a pigment-protein complex that appears green in satellite images. This means that 2.5 billion tonnes less CO2 is being absorbed each year than previously thought.
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http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19125676.000&print=true
Even phytoplankton are letting us down when it comes to global warming. These microscopic ocean-dwelling plants, which were thought to be gobbling up atmospheric carbon dioxide, are apparently not doing as well as was hoped.

In the past, satellite images of ocean colour were the main tool for measuring photosynthetic biomass: the greener the ocean the more CO2 was being taken up by the phytoplankton. This idea now seems to be misleading.

Peter Strutton of Oregon State University and colleagues studied phytoplankton fluorescence in the tropical Pacific using data from 12 years and 58,000 kilometres of ship transects and found that the phytoplankton are making far less chlorophyll than expected. They reason that in nutrient-poor waters like the tropical Pacific, phytoplankton are starved of nitrates and iron. Because of this they produce a pigment-protein complex that is not chlorophyll but shows up just as green in satellite images. They calculate that this means 2.5 billion tonnes less CO2 is being absorbed each year than was thought (Nature, vol 442, p 1025).
Ooopsies. We guessed and guessed wrong. Then we guess again that we weren't actually wrong, it is just that the plankton are deficient in specfic nitrates and iron. That's the vibe I got.
 
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I knew it! Global warming is a form fo deliberate attack on the rest of us by the phytoplankton. They've been jealous ever since the other species went multi-cellular.
 
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This new finding is concerning as it means that the Earth's natural carbon sinks, such as the ocean, may not be as effective as previously thought in mitigating the effects of climate change. The absorption of CO2 by phytoplankton is an important process in regulating the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

The fact that this study used data from 12 years and 58,000 kilometers of ship transects shows that this is a significant and reliable finding. It also highlights the importance of using multiple methods and technologies to measure and understand the complex processes of our planet's ecosystems.

This new information should serve as a reminder that there is still much we do not know about the Earth's natural systems and how they respond to changing conditions. It is crucial that we continue to invest in scientific research and monitoring in order to better understand and address the challenges of climate change.

In the meantime, this finding should also serve as a wake-up call for individuals and governments to take more immediate action in reducing our carbon emissions. We cannot rely solely on natural processes to mitigate the effects of our own actions on the environment. We must also take responsibility for reducing our carbon footprint and finding sustainable solutions for the future.
 

Related to Ocean plankton found to absorb less CO2 than expected

1. What is ocean plankton?

Ocean plankton refers to microscopic organisms that live in the ocean, including bacteria, algae, and protists. They play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as a source of food for larger organisms and as producers of oxygen through photosynthesis.

2. Why is it important for ocean plankton to absorb CO2?

CO2, or carbon dioxide, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Ocean plankton absorbs CO2 through photosynthesis, which helps to regulate the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change.

3. How was it discovered that ocean plankton absorbs less CO2 than expected?

Scientists use a variety of methods to measure the amount of CO2 being absorbed by ocean plankton, including satellite imagery and direct sampling of water and plankton. Through these methods, scientists have found that the amount of CO2 absorbed by ocean plankton is less than previously estimated.

4. What factors can affect the ability of ocean plankton to absorb CO2?

There are several factors that can impact the amount of CO2 absorbed by ocean plankton, including changes in ocean temperature, nutrient availability, and ocean acidification. These factors can affect the growth and metabolism of plankton, which in turn affects their ability to absorb CO2.

5. What are the implications of ocean plankton absorbing less CO2?

The reduced ability of ocean plankton to absorb CO2 has significant implications for the global carbon cycle and climate change. It could lead to an increase in atmospheric CO2 levels, which could further contribute to the warming of the planet. It could also impact the health of marine ecosystems and the organisms that rely on plankton for food.

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