Ocean Biogeochemistry Research Group

We use climate models and oceanographic observations to study the biogeochemistry of the ocean, including its carbon cycle. Many of our studies look at the connection between the ocean carbon cycle and the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration.

Nikki Lovenduski
Director

Genevieve Clow
Grad student

Katy Christensen
Postdoc

Josh Coupe
Postdoc

Samuel Mogen
​Grad student

Cara Nissen
Research Associate

Courtney Payne
Postdoc

 

Contact

Nikki Lovenduski     Phone: 303-492-5259  

Our beliefs

 

Goals

The ocean biogeochemistry research group conducts modeling and observational studies in all aspects of modern-day ocean biogeochemistry.  Our goals are threefold:

1. To understand the mechanisms that control the distributions of biogeochemical constituents in the ocean,
2. To study the ocean biogeochemical response to climate change and climate variability,

3. To quantify feedbacks between ocean biogeochemistry and the climate system.

    

Research

Our research is primarily focused on the ocean carbon cycle, one of the most important biogeochemical cycles in the ocean. 

In particular, we study the connection between the ocean carbon cycle and the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration.  As the ocean contains 60 times more carbon than the atmosphere, it exerts a dominant control on atmospheric CO₂.  Biological and physical processes act together to control the distribution of carbon in the ocean, and therefore the flux of CO₂ between the ocean and the atmosphere.

We employ a variety of ocean and earth system models, and we use satellite and in situ observations.

Schematic illustration of the processes impacting ocean-atmosphere carbon dioxide exchange.  

 

Modeling

Modeling is a critical tool for the study of physical, biogeochemical, and ecological processes in the ocean.  We use a variety of modeling tools in our research, ranging from simple box models to state-of-the-art coupled carbon-climate models.  Such models allow us to simulate important biogeochemical quantities, and to understand what controls their distribution.

Observations

Satellite and in situ observations of ocean biogeochemical quantities help us to validate our models and to quantify recent changes in ocean biogeochemistry.  These observations provide information about the amount of anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the ocean, the changing acidity of the ocean, and the activity of ocean phytoplankton in the sea surface, among other things.

Sea-to-air flux of carbon dioxide, estimated and interpolated from ship observations.