Marine Geochemistry
The Marine Geochemistry Group has an international reputation for research excellence based on technical innovation and the application of those techniques to applied research in marine science. The overarching aim of our research is to identify, quantify and monitor the interactions between the oceans, the Earth’s interior, the continents, atmosphere and biosphere. We also study the evolution of Earth’s ocean-climate system, by geochemical analysis of marine sediments laid down in the past.
Sub-seafloor hydrothermal systems
Hydrothermal systems are one of the most spectacular manifestations of the linkages between crustal processes and the deep oceanic system. The Marine Geochemistry group at NOC has a long history of research into sub-seafloor hydrothermal systems.
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Proxies of past environmental change
Scientists at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have developed a range of chemical, isotopic and sedimentary proxies of past environmental conditions, which are required to understand the parameters that control climate change.
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Impacts of seepage from sub-seafloor storage of CO2
Sub-seafloor storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), captured from fossil fuel-based power generation, is one way of reducing emissions of this greenhouse gas. In all likelihood, the CO2 will remain in the storage reservoir but, if it were to escape, we need to know what the effects would be on ocean ecosystems.
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Methane seepage from the Arctic seafloor
Gas hydrate is an ice-like substance composed of water and gas (usually methane), which is only stable under conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Such conditions are found in continental margin sediments at water depths of >300m, wherever there is enough methane. As temperatures rise, the hydrate becomes unstable and breaks down, releasing methane into the overlying water column and potentially into the atmosphere. The effect of this could be catastrophic for Earth’s climate: gas hydrate constitutes more than half of the Earth’s organic carbon, and methane is a greenhouse gas that is 25% more effective than carbon dioxide.
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Sensor development
Working in close collaboration with the sensors development group of the Underwater Systems Laboratory we have an active programme of sensor development.
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Analytical facilities
Housed in eight laboratories, including a newly refurbished clean room suite.
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