Assessing the ocean’s ability to take up carbon dioxide today and in a warming world
ocean chemistry
carbon sequestration
marine ecosystems
biological carbon pump
organic matter
Heather Forrer, PhD
My research focuses on advancing our understanding of the ocean’s biological carbon storage pathways. By applying ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques, I investigate the complex biogeochemical processes that shape the marine carbon and nitrogen cycles. Working across diverse ocean biogeochemical provinces, my research is guided by three core questions:
Who is there?
Exploring ecosystem structure and phytoplankton community composition
What are they doing?
Investigating nutrient utilization and subsequent remineralization processes
How does this drive marine biological carbon export?
Assessing the magnitude and duration of carbon sequestration
Through this work, I aim to provide mechanistic insights into how ocean ecosystems drive long-term carbon storage and global climate regulation.
“We can only sense that in the deep and turbulent recesses of the sea are hidden mysteries far greater than any we have solved.”
The Sea Around Us (1951) by Rachel Carson