The oceans play a vital role in regulating atmospheric CO2. Currently the oceans absorb about one quarter of CO2 released by human activities on an annual basis. Without the oceans, CO2 would be rising much faster in the atmosphere than it currently is. Nevertheless, the accumulation of excess CO2 in the oceans has potentially adverse implications there, notably an increase in acidity (decrease in pH). During AMT we are working towards quantifying this effect thoughout the Atlantic Ocean, identifying its consequences for life in the oceans and the cycling of the elements.
Dr Vassilis Kitidis
Marine biogeochemist - carbonate system chemistry along the AMT transect.
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands - Southampton, UK
Southampton, UK - Punta Arenas, Chile
Harwich, Essex - Falklands
Hosted at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council.