5. Other potential components of the GBF-OOI

The elements of the GBF-OOI outlined in the preceding sections are designed to provide key information that we consider crucial for defining the characteristics of the biological pump, including its magnitude and variability. The array of moorings and instrumentation would both provide direct access to various lines of information in quasi-real time, enable in situ experiments to be performed, as well as to recover water and particle samples for return to the laboratory and detailed biogeochemical studies. It is envisioned that the GBF-OOI infrastructure would provide a template for other important biological and biogeochemical observation platforms and experiments, including detailed investigations of processes in the epipelagic, mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, as well as at the sea floor. Sensor technology is evolving rapidly, and it is anticipated that an array of optical, physico-chemical, biochemical and acoustic instruments would be capable of providing complementary information to that described above. The following sections highlight two areas that clearly warrant increased attention and are poised for technological advances.

a. Observation of biological and biogeochemical processes in the Mesopelagic Zone

b. Sustained observations of biogeochemical processes occurring at or near the sea floor

Last updated: April 27, 2010