The ocean’s ‘biological pump’ captures more carbon than expected
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 6 April 2020
A new WHOI study reveals the ocean’s biological carbon pump may absorb twice as much carbon as previously estimated by redefining the sunlit zone's depth, reshaping climate models and understanding of ocean carbon cycling.
Keywords: carbon pump, phytoplankton, euphotic zone, WHOI
New geochemical tool reveals origin of Earth’s nitrogen
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 15 April 2020
A new WHOI study using clumped isotope analysis reveals nitrogen in Earth’s mantle likely dates back to planet formation. This method may also help monitor volcanic eruptions by tracking gas composition changes.
Keywords: nitrogen, volcanoes, mantle, isotopes, WHOI
What did scientists learn from Deepwater Horizon?
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 20 April 2020
A decade after the Deepwater Horizon spill, WHOI scientists review key findings on oil weathering, microbial degradation, and dispersant use. Insights gained could improve future deep-sea spill responses, especially in Arctic regions.
Keywords: oil spill, dispersants, WHOI, Deepwater Horizon, microbiology
