This Canadian robot discovered an amount of phytoplankton mass equivalent to 250 million elephants under the ocean’s surface

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In an exciting breakthrough, researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada have discovered an enormous amount of phytoplankton under the ocean’s surface—an amount so massive it could be compared to 250 million elephants. This discovery was made possible by an innovative network of robots that could measure the biomass of phytoplankton in ways that satellites cannot, opening up new insights into climate monitoring and the effects of climate change.

What is the total global mass of phytoplankton?

The research team used 903 robotic floats, part of the Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) network, to measure the biomass of phytoplankton at depths that satellites typically miss. This technology enabled them to precisely estimate the total global biomass of phytoplankton at 314 teragrams (about 346 million tons). To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to the mass of 250 million elephants. Although this number may not be entirely exact, it offers researchers a critical benchmark to track future changes in the oceans.

BGC-Argo Floats: Enhancing Ocean Observations

The BGC-Argo floats provided the researchers with over 100,000 water column profiles, giving them a deeper understanding of the carbon biomass in phytoplankton. It turns out that the models used by satellites aren’t reliable when it comes to accurately measuring phytoplankton biomass. This is where the technology of these robotic floats comes into play, allowing for a much more detailed and accurate assessment of what’s happening beneath the ocean’s surface.

What does this technology change?

The findings of this study highlight the importance of using robotic floats in combination with satellite observations. By combining these two tools, scientists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of ocean health, particularly in relation to the impacts of human-caused climate change. This advancement in technology has significant implications for long-term ocean monitoring, offering a clearer picture of how ecosystems are evolving and how the oceans are responding to global environmental changes.

Why is phytoplankton so important to our environment?

Phytoplankton plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our planet’s ecosystems. As the foundation of the marine food chain, it supports a wide range of organisms, from tiny crustaceans to the largest marine mammals. But its importance extends beyond just feeding marine life—it is also a key player in regulating global climate. Through photosynthesis, phytoplankton absorbs carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and limit global warming. In fact, it contributes to producing about 50% of the oxygen we breathe, making its role in the global oxygen cycle essential.

Tackling the challenges of climate change

Monitoring the global mass of phytoplankton is crucial for understanding future climate changes. This data will be particularly important when evaluating the potential effects of geoengineering interventions designed to combat climate change. Researchers point out that any proposed geoengineering projects must consider the variability of phytoplankton biomass, as these organisms play such an integral role in the planet’s environmental balance.

Towards a new horizon in ocean research

The deployment of BGC-Argo floats marks a significant leap forward in oceanic research, allowing for more precise studies of marine ecosystems. With this advanced technology, scientists are better equipped to protect and sustainably manage marine resources, particularly in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

By opening up new avenues for understanding marine health, this innovation promises to not only improve our response to climate change but also help us protect the world’s oceans for generations to come. The discovery of phytoplankton’s massive biomass underscores just how vital these tiny organisms are to the health of our planet, and how much more there is to learn about the oceans that cover most of the Earth.

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Sarah Jensen

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