Assessing Effects of Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels on Ocean Ecosystems: Carbon Productivity Responses to Increased Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Concentrations in Surface Ocean: Exploring the Feasibility of an in Situ Mesoscale Carbon Addition Experiment; Palisades, New York, 23–24 March 2009

Abstract

To assess the effects of future elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on ocean biogeochemistry and ecosystems, it is desirable to mimic such an environment in nature. A workshop to explore an in situ open ocean mesoscale CO2 perturbation experiment that would simulate the oceanic conditions expected toward the end of this century was held at Lamont‐Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University (LDEO). The objectives were to evaluate the current understanding of the potential effects on open ocean ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling resulting from carbon chemistry and pH changes in response to increased atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and to examine the scientific justification and logistical feasibility of an in situ open ocean mesoscale CO2/pH perturbation experiment. The 15 participants represented fields of modeling and physical, geochemical, and biological oceanography.