Volcanic vents give sneak peek at acidic oceans

The underwater volcanoes off a tiny Italian island are helping scientists peer into the future of a world altered by increasing amounts of carbon dioxide emitted into the air and absorbed into the oceans.

The waters just off the island of Ischia mirror the projected conditions of the Earth’s oceans at the beginning of the next century because the volcanic vents found there infuse the water with large helpings of carbon dioxide, or CO₂, which turns seawater acidic.

Research has shown that the growing acidic conditions are harmful to some sea creatures — those that build their protective shells with calcium are increasingly prevented from doing so the more acidic waters become.

Physical scientist on ocean acidification science

Department: Department Of Commerce
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Job Announcement Number: OAR-HQ-2011-0064

SALARY RANGE: $89,033.00 – $136,771.00 /year
OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 to Wednesday, October 05, 2011
SERIES & GRADE: ZP-1301-04/04
POSITION INFORMATION: Competitive: Career/Career-Conditional Permanent Full-time
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 4
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: Silver Spring, MD
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: * All U.S. Citizens

JOB SUMMARY:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) is where science comes to life. Become part of a team that develops innovative ideas and technologies and collaborates with the many talented and dedicated people who work to solve the mysteries of the deepest oceans to the surface of the sun. Explore facets and trends of the earth’s environment that will influence the future. Become a part of the team that provides the nation with scientific information to thrive in an ever-changing world.

This position is under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Ocean Acidification Office located in Silver Spring, MD.