Ocean Chemistry & Ecosystems
The Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division supports NOAA’s mission to understand our oceans and coasts, aid conservation and management of marine ecosystems, and predict changes to these valuable resources. We work on a variety of research topics including the global rise of carbon dioxide, the ability of our ecosystems to support marine life, the safety of our swimming waters, and the health of coral reefs here and across the globe.
'Omics
”Omics” refers to biological analysis at the molecular level (i.e., DNA, RNA, or proteins). It is used to identify organisms and their activities (e.g., carbon, oxygen, metals, toxins, and nutrients). AOML uses ‘Omics to study DNA, RNA, and proteins to better understand marine organisms and ecosystem health by researching changes in gene expression, microbial communities, SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), and proteins.
Visit the ‘Omics Page
Ocean Carbon Cycle
Ocean carbon cycle research at AOML studies the transport and the transformation of carbon in the ocean. The overarching question that is addressed is: What has happened to the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities and what is its impact on ocean ecosystems?
Visit the Ocean Carbon Cycle Page
Coral Research
Our mission is to provide services and information sources for researchers and the public in order to help improve and sustain coral reef health throughout the world. If you are interested in receiving announcements, news and participating in ongoing discussions via email we also have our coral-list listserve available to you, currently serving over 8000 subscribers worldwide. These services and more can be accessed via the top menu navigation system.
Visit the Coral Reef Ecosystems Page
Nutrient Biogeochemistry
AOML’s nutrient biogeochemistry program uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, many of which were developed in-house to study nutrient dynamics in coastal and open ocean environments. The field programs focus on the nutrient dynamics coupled with carbon and oxygen cycles in open oceans. In coastal environments, we study the role of nutrient availability in ecosystem functioning.
Visit the Nutrients Page
Ocean Acidification
AOML conducts important research missions along Florida’s Gulf and east coasts, to track temperature, salinity, and acidity of the water. We now have a better understanding of how our ocean is changing and what we might expect in the future. We do this through a combination of approaches including the use of buoys, regular sampling at select reef sites, ships of opportunity and major cruises along the whole U.S. East coast and Gulf of Mexico, as well as model development.
Visit the Ocean Acidification Page
Ecosystem Assessment and Modeling
Ecosystem Assessment and Modeling (EAM) research assesses, evaluates, and predicts the holistic, integrated ecosystem status using a broad range of scientific tools to provide the scientific information needed for resource managers to make evidence-based decisions about marine resources and protected ecosystems.
Visit the Integrated Ecosystem Assessments Page