Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/Z504415/1
MaSCOt (Marine Sensors for Carbon Observations)
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr S Loucaides, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Co-Investigator:
- Mr P Trucco Pignato, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor DCE Bakker, University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr AA Lucio, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Grant held at:
- National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Science Area:
- None
- Overall Classification:
- Unknown
- ENRIs:
- None
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Oceans absorb about a quarter of CO2 we release in the atmosphere every year, moderating the rate at which the planet warms. This process, however, acidifies the ocean, threatening marine ecosystems and the economic value generated from marine resources. To better understand the ocean's role in regulating global warming, the rate at which the ocean acidifies and how these may change in the future requires observations across different space and time scales. Due to the vastness of the ocean, observations from ships cannot provide the coverage in space and time needed and without significant CO2 emissions. Instead, the solution is presented by small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), such as ocean gliders and profiling floats, that can be deployed in large numbers around the world to collect the data we need. This technology is already mature with data (mostly temperature and salinity) being collected and transmitted to shore from across the globe daily, revealing valuable information on global ocean circulation and aiding with weather predictions. This, however, is not yet possible for monitoring carbon and ocean acidification, mainly due to the lack of sensors capable of autonomous, high-quality measurements on AUVs. MaSCOt (Marine Sensors for Carbon Observations) will address this gap by developing sensors for the measurement of two key ocean carbon variables, Total Alkalinity (TA) and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), which can be used to accurately characterise carbon cycling and ocean acidification. Sensor prototypes for TA and DIC have been in development at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) over the last decade and are based on well-proven Lab-on-Chip (LOC) technology offering high-quality, real-time measurements at depths over 6000m. MaSCOt will advance the technology readiness of these sensors to the point where they are ready for commercialisation and integration on AUVs. To achieve this, we will make improvements in the chemistry and hardware of these sensors to increase measurement quality, measurement frequency, reduce power and reagent consumption and enhance durability. We will develop software to increase ease-of-use and enable real-time data output. We will also generate documentation to support end-users and provide guidance on their use and integration on AUVs. We will ensure that data generated by these sensors can be seamlessly ingested by open-access, online databases in order to make it accessible to all. MaSCOt aligns with NERC's low-carbon vision for future marine research by reducing the carbon footprint of marine data collection, while at the same time significantly expanding observational capability. These sensors will be fit-for-purpose for rapid integration into existing National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP) platforms, and for inclusion in national and international research and observing infrastructures, expanding capability in monitoring the marine carbon system at a scale not previously possible. This will advance scientific understanding and support policymaking and conservation efforts aimed at preserving marine ecosystems and sustaining marine-based economies.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/Z504415/1
- Grant Stage:
- Awaiting Event/Action
- Scheme:
- Research Grants
- Grant Status:
- Active
- Programme:
- FMRI
This grant award has a total value of £797,026
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Exception - Equipment |
|---|
| £797,026 |
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