Simulating Fertilization of the Ocean as a Carbon Sequestration Strategy: Effectiveness and Unintended Consequences

Caldeira, K

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

关键词: Acid Neutralizing Capacity;    Biogeochemistry;    Carbon Dioxide;    Computerized Simulation;    Environmental Impacts;   

DOI  :  10.2172/15003243
RP-ID  :  UCRL-ID-147662
RP-ID  :  W-7405-ENG-48
RP-ID  :  15003243

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The primary objectives of this project are to assess, and improve our understanding of: (1) The effectiveness of various strategies to intentionally store carbon in the ocean through fertilization of the surface ocean with iron and/or macronutrients; and (2) Unanticipated environmental consequences of these ocean fertilization strategies. We propose to use what may be the best global ocean biogeochemical model in the world (PISCES) and apply it to perform the most realistic global-scale simulations of various iron fertilization scenarios. Versions of PISCES are currently used by MPI in Germany and IPSL in France. The model represents diatoms, coccolithophorids, and two classes of zooplankton. This model considers Fey N, P, O{sub 2}, Si, alkalinity, and carbon; for some of these it considers dissolved inorganic and organic, as well as particulate, forms. We would install the PISCES model with a minimum of modification into the LLNL ocean model, and perform an initial suite of simulations of both iron fertilization experiments (e.g., SOFeX) and proposed iron fertilization strategies. Based on the simulated experiments, we will analyze model deficiencies with respect to the observations and use this analysis to improve future versions of the model. The source code for and results from this set of models will be freely distributed, and thus should help groups performing related work elsewhere. This project the most-realistic ocean fertilization simulations yet performed in a global model, with an assessment of and improvement in the reliability of those predictions using results from iron fertilization experiments such as SOFeX. These results will help provide context and guidance for biological observations within the ocean carbon sequestration research program.