Ocean Biogeochemistry & Ecosystems Research Group
The Ocean Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems Group (OBE) is one of the largest and most active international multidisciplinary research teams studying the biogeochemistry and biodiversity of pelagic and benthic ocean systems. OBE research ranges from the sea surface to the abyssal seafloor, from the coast to the open ocean, from microbes to fish, from polar to tropical waters, from seconds to decades.
OBE is a dynamic partnership between the NERC Strategic Research Division and the University of Southampton School of Ocean and Earth Science. Together we conduct innovative research to address major societal issues, including the role of the oceans in the carbon cycle, geoengineering solutions to climate change and the environmental management of the oceans. The group includes some 60 staff and 40 PhD students from all around the world.
Our specific research foci include:
- Chemical, biological and physical controls on primary production in the surface ocean, including the effects of natural iron fertilization, mesoscale mixing and ocean acidification
- Plankton and microbial dynamics, and biogeochemical cycling of key elements in the ocean water column (C, Fe, N, P, Si)
- Vertical export of materials into the ocean's interior and processes in the ‘Twilight Zone’
- Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of seabed communities fuelled by surface ocean productivity and chemosynthetic activity.
- Long-term change in marine ecosystems in relation to climate
- Assessing man’s impact on ocean ecosystems and providing solutions for resource management in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)
- Modeling of key processes for improved understanding and prediction of ocean biogeochemistry and biodiversity
Our research is underpinned by world class technology including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), hyperbaric aquaria, free floating sediment traps (PELAGRA), novel in situ chemical and biological sensors, ocean observatories, towed undulating platforms, profiling mooring arrays, and in situ seabed and mid-water experimental chambers. The group works closely with Industry in the use of ‘Ships of Opportunity’ for global oceanography (SNOMS), in offshore oil and gas ROV operations (SERPENT) and long-term seabed environmental observatories (DELOS).
OBE research, including long-term observations, is integrated in large international projects such as EuroSITES, HERMIONE (Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact on European Seas), OceanSITES, the Census of Marine Life (CoML) and IMBER (Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research).
