about | SUBSEA

SUBSEA (Subtropical Underwater Biogeochemistry and Subsurface Export Alliance) is an international team of biogeochemists, plankton ecologists, and oceanographers that seeks to improve understanding of how the marine biosphere will respond to planetary change through detailed studies on the ecological and biogeochemical functioning of the subtropical gyres. SUBSEA is supported by the Schmidt Sciences Foundation as part of the Ocean Biogeochemistry Virtual Institute (OBVI).

The subtropical ocean gyres cover more than 20% of Earth’s surface area, making them some of the largest ecosystems on the planet. Despite persistently low concentrations of nutrients, the subtropical gyres are important components of the global carbon cycle. Our research focuses on the complex space-time structure of the sunlit portion of the upper ocean, from the sea surface to approximately 200 meters deep. The backbone of our work relies on shipboard observations in both the North Pacific and South Atlantic subtropical gyres. Our team has expertise in ocean biogeochemistry, remote and autonomous sensing technologies, and mathematical modeling. Together, SUBSEA aims to improve mechanistic understanding of how carbon and nutrients move through the photic zone in support of plankton productivity and carbon export. Specifically, we are interested in how nutrient cycling in the poorly studied subsurface habitats of the upper ocean impact plankton productivity and sequestration of carbon dioxide by the subtropical gyres.

The SUBSEA team readies a Wirewalker for deployment from a research ship at night.

Scientists stand and walk on the deck of a research vessel. Some are walking while others stand by the edge of the ship and look out at the ocean.

Four men stand at a blue railing, lowering scientific equipment into the ocean.

Three scientists work together to lift a sediment trap array over the edge of the ship.

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