Source: PHYS.ORG

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Context

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) researchers and collaborators from Florida State University have developed a new method for analyzing satellite data to better predict the export of carbon.

What is the Lagrangian Growth-Advection (GA) Model?

A biophysical ocean model that combines

Lagrangian tracking: Follows individual water parcels or fluid particles.

Advection: Movement of water masses through currents.

Biological growth: Monitors changes in phytoplankton populations over time.

Innovations

Tracks phytoplankton and carbon fluxes more realistically by integrating:

Temporal and spatial lags between carbon production via phytoplankton photosynthesis and export(carbon sinking).

Zooplankton dynamics which graze on phytoplankton and affect export.

Oceanic advection: Enables better understanding of how currents influence carbon distribution.

Biological succession: Captures stages in phytoplankton growth and decay.

Unlike traditional models, it:

Does not rely solely on ocean color (surface chlorophyll data).

Provides a complementary and more nuanced approach to estimating carbon export.

Environmental and Climate Relevance

Oceans act as carbon sinks absorbing ~25-30% of atmospheric CO₂.

Phytoplankton play a crucial role in the biological pump converting CO₂ into organic matter.

This organic carbon sinks to the ocean floor contributing to long-term carbon sequestration.

Limitations of Traditional Models

Based on ocean color — only measures surface phytoplankton.

Fails to capture:

Subsurface biological processes.

Delays in carbon export.

Zooplankton and microbial loop dynamics.

Significance for India & Global Policy

Helps in accurate climate modeling — essential for policy-making and IPCC assessments.

Can inform global carbon budgeting helping nations plan for carbon neutrality.

Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action.

Sources:

PHYS.ORG