Using Data to Explore Ocean Processes Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences
CTD + Niskin Bottles Conductivity Temperature Depth
75m 125m 10m
Depth (m) Fluorescence Temperature (ITS-90) Oxygen uMol/kg Salinity (PSU)
Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food web!
Photosynthesis Respiration and Decomposition CO 2 Carbon dioxide + H 2 O Water + O 2 Oxygen + nutrients e.g., nitrate, phosphate Organic carbon + O 2 Oxygen Organic carbon nutrients e.g., nitrate, phosphate H 2 O + Water CO 2 + Carbon dioxide
Nitrogenous base Marine Nitrogen Cycle
Photosynthesis Grazing Inorganic Nutrients (NO 3, PO 4 ) Dissolved Organic Matter e.g., ATP, lipids, sugars, proteins Respiration or Death
Long-term Oceanographic Research Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) Started in October 1988 Scientists measure a wide range of variables in the Pacific Ocean
hahana.soest.hawaii.edu/hot/hot-dogs/interface.html
Horizontal Profiles Time-series Bottle Time (year)
Let’s change the grouping Horizontal Profiles Time-series Bottle Highest oxygen during the spring Oxygen peak in 1991
Summary Scientists use technology, like CTDs, to study the ocean. Phytoplankton play important roles in food production and chemical cycling. Time-series are valuable for understanding large- scale ocean processes.