This Ocean Lab Is Uncovering the Mysterious Link Between Microbes and Climate

Studying marine aerosols in the field is extremely tricky, so scientists at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography have brought the complexity of the ocean—complete with real waves—into the lab. Check out The Swim, now streaming on Discovery+ http://bit.ly/dplus-yt
» Subscribe to Seeker! http://bit.ly/subscribeseeker
» Watch more Elements! http://bit.ly/ElementsPlaylist
» Visit our shop at http://shop.seeker.com

For decades, scientists have speculated that there is a link between ocean microbes, cloud formation, and ultimately, climate. But the logistics of studying marine microbes in their native environment is hard. So an ambitious team of scientists at UCSD is trying to crack that problem by bringing the ocean into the lab to study its biological, physical, and chemical complexity like never before.

This “ocean-in-a-lab” at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is a 33-meter long pool that mimics the action of real waves. The tank is enclosed and clean air is pumped in over the channel, allowing the isolated study of aerosol spray and gases, which could include viruses, bacteria, and phytoplankton.

The first way marine aerosols form is through sea spray. When waves break at the ocean’s surface, bubbles burst, and sea spray containing salt and all those little microbes go airborne. These marine aerosols can affect the formation of clouds over the ocean. They act as “seeds” that water vapor and ice can cling to, condensing into tiny droplets that can eventually become clouds. some types of aerosols can make clouds that are bright and white, cooling things down. So aerosols can have a really big impact on the temperature of the planet. It’s one of the reasons the ocean is known as the planet’s thermostat, because it plays a large role in regulating climate.

#oceanlab #oceanography #cloudformation #climate #space #seeker #science #elements

Read More:
NSF Awards Scripps Oceanography $2.8 Million to Develop Advanced Ocean and Atmosphere Simulator
https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/national-science-foundation-awards-scripps-oceanography-28-million-develop-advanced-ocean-and
"For project co-principal investigator Kim Prather, who directs the NSF Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment (CAICE) at UC San Diego, SOARS will enable more detailed study of aerosols, particles composed of sea salts, organic matter, viruses, and bacteria that are ejected from the ocean surface when waves break and winds blow."

ACTIVATE Begins Year Two of Marine Cloud Study
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/langley/activate-begins-year-two-of-marine-cloud-study
"The western North Atlantic Ocean is an ideal location for the study because it provides a wide range of weather conditions and receives a variety of aerosol types from sources such as the East Coast, the ocean and even wildfires from the West Coast — as researchers learned during the 2020 flights."

Scientists just found 200,000 new marine viruses. Here’s why that matters
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/200000-marine-viruses/
"Viruses are arguably the most successful biological entities in the sea, where they outnumber microbes—their typical hosts—10 to one. But scientists still have no idea what most of them do, or even how many genetically distinct populations of viruses may speckle the seas."
____________________

Elements is more than just a science show. It’s your science-loving best friend, tasked with keeping you updated and interested in all the compelling, innovative, and groundbreaking science happening all around us. Join our passionate hosts as they help break down and present fascinating science, from quarks to quantum theory and beyond.

Seeker empowers the curious to understand the science shaping our world. We tell award-winning stories about the natural forces and groundbreaking innovations that impact our lives, our planet, and our universe.

Visit the Seeker website https://www.seeker.com/videos

Elements on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SeekerElements/

Subscribe now! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=dnewschannel

Seeker on Twitter http://twitter.com/seeker

Seeker on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SeekerMedia/

Seeker http://www.seeker.com/