Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is distributed throughout the world ocean and may be a major determinant of the optical properties of oligotrophic ocean waters. It may also play a major role in biogeochemically significant photochemical reactions that we are only beginning to recognize -- let alone understand. In this study, three young scientists at the Bermuda Biological Laboratory for Research will test several hypotheses regarding microbially-mediated production of CDOM and its photolytic decomposition. Four sets of experiments will be undertaken in Sargasso Sea environments near the Bermuda Atlantic Time-Series site to determine (1) the microbial production of CDOM as a function of the quality of DOM, (2) the photophysical properties of CDOM as a function of origin, (3) alternate sources of CDOM (for example, zooplankton as opposed to phytoplankton and bacterioplankton), and (4) changes in the bioavailability of CDOM to microbes after bleaching. The team expects to produce a quantitative description of the factors controlling CDOM distribution in the open ocean gyres far from land.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9977399
Program Officer
Donald L. Rice
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1999-09-01
Budget End
2001-10-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
$450,529
Indirect Cost
Name
Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (Bios), Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
St. George's GE01
State
Country
Bermuda
Zip Code