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
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:
- To understand the mechanisms that control the distributions of biogeochemical constituents in the ocean,
- To study the ocean biogeochemical response to climate change and climate variability,
- 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.
The Lagrangian transport of dissolved carbon dioxide in the Southern Ocean from a high-resolution ocean model. (credit: R. Brady)
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.
News
After a nuclear war, the world’s emergency food supply could be seafood—if overfishing stops now (The Conversation)
Scientists explore how to protect fisheries, food supply in event of nuclear war (CU Boulder Today)
Publications
Publications for Lovenduski are shown below
