Plankton’s Ability To Sequester Carbon Is Influenced by Ocean Density, Study Shows
According to a study published in Royal Society Open Science on November 6, changes in ocean density significantly influence the ability of marine plankton to incorporate carbon into their shells. The findings, led by Dr Stergios Zarkogiannis from the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, highlight the physical properties of the ocean, such as density and salinity, as major contributors to the carbon cycle. The study underscores the role of plankton in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, with implications for climate change.
Research Highlights Physical Drivers of Calcification
The research primarily focused on Trilobatus trilobus, a species of foraminifera, which are microscopic organisms known for their carbon-sequestering calcium carbonate shells. These shells sink to the ocean floor upon the organism’s death, contributing to long-term carbon storage. The study indicates that changes in ocean density and salinity directly influence the calcification process in these organisms.
Dr Zarkogiannis found that decreased ocean density, often caused by melting ice sheets and the influx of freshwater, reduces calcification. This response prevents the organisms from sinking, maintaining their position in the water column. This adjustment not only ensures survival but also affects ocean alkalinity, enabling increased CO2 absorption.
Techniques and Key Findings
Modern fossil samples of T. trilobus from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were analysed using advanced imaging methods like X-ray microcomputed tomography and trace element geochemistry. The results revealed regional differences in shell thickness, with thinner shells observed in equatorial regions and thicker ones in subtropical areas where ocean density is higher.
Broader Implications for Climate Research
The findings suggest that physical ocean changes are as critical as chemical factors in determining calcification. This interplay between marine life and ocean properties could influence climate models, particularly in regions affected by ice sheet melting. Dr Zarkogiannis emphasised the importance of understanding these dynamics, noting that marine organisms play an active role in the carbon cycle by regulating buoyancy and, consequently, CO2 absorption.
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A volcanic fissure has emerged near Grindavík on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula after a series of strong earthquakes. Lava has breached the town’s defence barriers. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has warned that the fissure may continue to expand. The eruption began along the Sundhnúkur crater row early in the morning. By 9:45 a.m. local time, a fissure stretching nearly 1,200 metres had opened north of Grindavík. The crack is moving southward. Officials have raised the hazard level to the highest risk category.
Evacuations and Road Closures
According to the IMO, a second fissure has appeared inside Grindavík’s protective barriers. Authorities have evacuated the town along with the Blue Lagoon spa. Roads in and out of the area have been shut. Some residents have refused to leave. Local media outlet Visir has reported that emergency services remain on high alert.
Impact of Volcanic Gas
Weather forecasts indicate that volcanic gas will be carried northeastward towards Reykjavík. The capital is located about 40 kilometres away. The IMO has stated that by tomorrow morning, changing wind patterns may direct the gas southwest and eastward. Residents have been told to remain indoors as much as possible while closely monitoring air quality updates. Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced about 11 eruptions since 2021. Eight have occurred along the Sundhnúkur crater row since last year. Scientists continue to monitor the situation closely. Authorities have urged people to avoid the affected region.
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Astronomers have released new images of planets within the HR 8799 and 51 Eridani star systems. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was used in a way that was different from standard procedures to achieve these results. Capturing direct images of exoplanets is challenging due to the brightness of host stars, which often obscures planetary details. To allow more light through, researchers adjusted JWST’s coronagraphs. This helps in enhancing the visibility of these distant worlds. This adjustment provided clearer insights into planetary atmospheres and their compositions.
Unconventional Use of JWST’s Coronagraphs
According to a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, lead author William Balmer, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University, explained to Space.com that a thinner part of the coronagraph mask was used. This allowed more starlight to diffract, reducing the risk of completely obscuring planets. Coronagraphs typically block starlight to reveal faint celestial bodies, but this modification provided a balance between removing excessive glare and preserving planetary details.
Key Discoveries and Observations
The JWST’s mid-infrared imaging captured HR 8799 at 4.6 microns. It is a wavelength that is mainly blocked by Earth’s atmosphere. Balmer stated that previous ground-based attempts had failed, demonstrating JWST’s stability in detecting exoplanets. Observations at 4.3 microns were also conducted. This revealed the presence of carbon dioxide. It is a very important step in determining the planetary formation processes. The detected carbon dioxide levels suggested that these planets likely formed through core accretion, gathering heavy elements over time.
Future Research and Expanding Studies
There are many research planned to study the four additional planetary systems. Balmer’s team has been allocated more JWST observation time to confirm whether similar gas giants formed through core accretion. This could offer more insights into the stability of planetary systems and potential habitability of smaller, unseen planets.
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