Interview with Scott Doney on ocean acidification (audio)

The Cape and Islands NPR station (WCAI) aired an interview with Scott Doney on ocean acidification this Monday 7/20/09 on “The Point” with Mindy Todd, which airs weekdays at 9:30 am. His interview are the last of three ~10 minute segments. If you would like to listen online, audio of “The Point” is made available by 1 pm on the day of broadcast at: http://www.wgbh.org/cainan/article?item_id=480593

Determination of carbonate ion concentration and inner sphere carbonate ion pairs in seawater by ultraviolet spectrophotometric titration

We describe a novel method for determination of carbonate ion concentration in seawater by acidimetric titration with UV detection. Because CO32- absorbs light at wavelengths of less than ~ 250 nm, it is feasible to titrate most carbonate-containing natural waters with acid and observe an increase in %Transmittance. The observed signal is proportional to the concentration of carbonate ion in the original sample. Present technology permits a theoretical precision in the determination of [CO32-] in natural seawater background of ~ 0.5% (at 10 cm pathlength, 200 μM CO32-, ± 0.0001 AU). The procedure has been tested at 1 and 10 cm pathlengths using single and multipoint titration methods, respectively. Results using natural seawater test solutions indicate a resolution in [CO32-] of 3.6% in a standard 1 cm cuvette using a very simple manual method, and 0.7% using a custom built 10 cm closed titration cell. Estimates of the relative distribution of CO32- between inner and outer sphere complexes with Mg2+ and Na+ were also determined and the equilibrium constants agree with published values. This method provides a new tool for studies of several fundamental aspects CO2 chemistry, including the second dissociation constant of carbonic acid, CO32- ion pairing, and can be used to directly measure the distribution of carbonate ion in seawater and many other types of natural waters.

Principal Investigator, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences invites applications for a Principal Investigator (PI) in any of the following three areas: 1) Ocean observing (e.g., specialties could include, but are not limited to, sensing of optical, acoustical, chemical, biogeochemical or molecular properties, from a variety of platforms such as satellites, buoys or autonomous vehicles); 2) Ocean acidification (e.g., carbon/carbonate chemistry, algal, microbial or molecular impacts) and 3) Biogeochemical/ecosystem modeling (e.g., coupled biogeochemistry/GCM models, ecosystem/mass balance models, trophodynamic models). Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is a primarily soft money institution with the expectation that the PI generates 9 months support per year through research grants. Duties are primarily basic research with a minimum of administration. Opportunities exist for acquiring added salary coverage through educational activities. Salary and start-up packages are negotiable. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences provides a generous benefits package including family medical and dental and pension/403c retirement plan. Applicants should consult the laboratory’s recently-updated strategic plan, available at http://www.bigelow.org/news/general-publications.php.

OceanObs’09 conference: broadening the ocean observing system and ensuring its sustainability

September 21st to 25th, 2009, Venice Italy.

Final call: abstract submission for Additional Contributions (posters) closes _August 15th_.

Plenary Papers, drawing from Community White Papers, will be presented by invited speakers. The Plenary Session on “*Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems*” will address the major outstanding science questions related to observing and understanding the carbon system in the ocean as well as the ecosystem, including aspects of carbon sequestration and acidification, of the changes in habitats and the impact of observed changes on corals. Other plenary talks will address ocean colour, ocean ecosystems, ecosystems approaches to resource management, sensor developments, and ocean data systems. Community fora on the future of sustained Biodiversity, Biogeochemical and Ecosystem observations will also be held. This is your opportunity to contribute to the key directions for sustained biogeochemical and ecosystem ocean observations in the next 10 years.

NOAA’s chief poses ‘grand’ ocean challenge

The chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is challenging the nation to reverse the decline of oceans and coasts and restore them to a “healthy, productive and resilient state” while tackling the issue of climate change.

Dr. Jane Lubchenco unveiled what she called a “Grand Challenge to the Nation” during a speech Monday before ocean and coastal management experts who are attending a conference this week in the state capital.