Influence of Phytoplankton on Climate

University Of California-San Diego Scripps Inst Of Oceanography, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will address the question of how phytoplankton may impact on the thermal structure and circulation of the upper ocean, and its subsequent effect on the Earth's climate via the absorption of solar radiation and modification of the surface albedo. The approach employs radiative-transfer models, mixed layer and radiative-convective models, ocean and climate general circulation models, and satellite imagery of phytoplankton chlorophyllous pigments. Forcing by phytoplankton will be specified using satellite-derived chlorophyll concentrations derived from existing bio-optical algorithms. The experiments are expected to lead to an improved understanding of the mechanisms generating sea surface temperatures and their influence on the climate. This project is expected to result in an improved understanding of predicting climate change due to carbon dioxide. One graduate student will be supported.