Chemistry OverviewTeamsProjectsLatest NewsTechnologiesData MBARI scientists study the fundamental chemical properties in the ocean, such as oxygen, pH, nutrients, and chlorophyll. Accurate chemical data allow scientists to ask essential questions about ocean ecosystems, observe ocean health and productivity, and ultimately monitor how the ocean may be changing over time. Monitoring elemental cycles of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen in the vast, dynamic ocean is incredibly challenging. MBARI scientists and engineers collaborate to develop and build innovative technology that provides a more detailed picture of ocean chemistry. These data are critical to improving fisheries and climate models, as well as monitoring, and even forecasting, the effects of ocean warming and ocean acidification on marine life. These teams and projects are working to observe the chemical building blocks of ocean ecosystems to inform science and policy worldwide. Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Teams All Teams Biological Oceanography Group Team Biological Oceanography Group The Biological Oceanography Team studies how life in the sea responds to climate change. We advance the field by improving methods to detect, observe, and understand variations of marine flora and fauna. Carbon Flux Ecology Team Carbon Flux Ecology The Carbon Flux Ecology Team resolves the biology and ecology of sinking particles to advance our understanding of the ocean’s role in regulating the carbon cycle and climate. Chemical Sensors Team Chemical Sensors This team develops sensor and float technologies to record fundamental ocean properties. Once a float is deployed, it takes measurements frequently, helping us understand our changing ocean. Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) Team Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) OBS develops and applies new sensing technologies to study ocean biogeochemical cycles, with an emphasis on the coastal ocean. Projects All Projects Submarine groundwater discharge in the Antarctic Peninsula Team Submarine groundwater discharge in the Antarctic Peninsula Investigating submarine groundwater discharge along the Antarctic Peninsula to quantify its fluxes, origins, and effects on seafloor morphology and ecosystems. Detecting Episodic Export Events Team Detecting Episodic Export Events Ecology of Marine Snow Team Ecology of Marine Snow Ocean Chemistry of Greenhouse Gases Team Ocean Chemistry of Greenhouse Gases Investigations of the physical and environmental chemistry of carbon dioxide and methane using MBARI's advanced technology. Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) Team Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) SOCCOM is an NSF-sponsored program focused on unlocking the mysteries of the Southern Ocean and determining its influence on climate. Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Array (GO-BGC) Team Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Array (GO-BGC) The Global Ocean Biogeochemistry (GO-BGC) Array is a project to build a global network of chemical and biological sensors that will monitor ocean health. Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay Team Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay The Land-Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) consists of robust moorings that can withstand tidal currents and weather. Biogeochemical Gliders Team Biogeochemical Gliders Working to equip biogeochemical sensors on underwater gliders. Coral Reef Metabolism Team Coral Reef Metabolism Developing autonomous systems to measure coral reef metabolism. Publications All Publications Sorry, no publications were found. Latest News All News News MBARI research and technology play integral role in new Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences Press Release 06.09.25 News New research reveals the importance of storms in air-sea carbon exchange in the Southern Ocean News 08.13.24 News New MBARI partnership will develop tools to monitor the effectiveness of ocean-based climate interventions News 09.07.23 Technologies All Technologies Instrument In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (ISUS) Technology In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (ISUS) A sensor that measures concentrations of dissolved chemicals from their ultraviolet absorption spectrum. Instrument Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) Technology Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) This “lab in a can” provides on-site collection and analysis of water samples from the ocean, identifying the presence of organisms and/or biological toxins. Data All Data Data Adopt a Float Data Data query and visualization for the adopt-a-float program Data Ocean Acidification 1 (OA1) Mooring Data from the OA1 mooring, located just offshore of Hopkins Marine Station and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Data SOCCOM Float Data An interactive map that shows current locations and trajectories of SOCCOM biogeochemical floats and provides links to real-time raw and quality-controlled float data Data SOCCOM Viz Data visualization for SOCCOM, a US NSF sponsored project focused on carbon and climate in the Southern Ocean Data LOBOviz Data portal for the Land-Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO)
Biological Oceanography Group Team Biological Oceanography Group The Biological Oceanography Team studies how life in the sea responds to climate change. We advance the field by improving methods to detect, observe, and understand variations of marine flora and fauna.
Carbon Flux Ecology Team Carbon Flux Ecology The Carbon Flux Ecology Team resolves the biology and ecology of sinking particles to advance our understanding of the ocean’s role in regulating the carbon cycle and climate.
Chemical Sensors Team Chemical Sensors This team develops sensor and float technologies to record fundamental ocean properties. Once a float is deployed, it takes measurements frequently, helping us understand our changing ocean.
Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) Team Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) OBS develops and applies new sensing technologies to study ocean biogeochemical cycles, with an emphasis on the coastal ocean.
Submarine groundwater discharge in the Antarctic Peninsula Team Submarine groundwater discharge in the Antarctic Peninsula Investigating submarine groundwater discharge along the Antarctic Peninsula to quantify its fluxes, origins, and effects on seafloor morphology and ecosystems.
Ocean Chemistry of Greenhouse Gases Team Ocean Chemistry of Greenhouse Gases Investigations of the physical and environmental chemistry of carbon dioxide and methane using MBARI's advanced technology.
Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) Team Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) SOCCOM is an NSF-sponsored program focused on unlocking the mysteries of the Southern Ocean and determining its influence on climate.
Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Array (GO-BGC) Team Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Array (GO-BGC) The Global Ocean Biogeochemistry (GO-BGC) Array is a project to build a global network of chemical and biological sensors that will monitor ocean health.
Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay Team Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay The Land-Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) consists of robust moorings that can withstand tidal currents and weather.
Biogeochemical Gliders Team Biogeochemical Gliders Working to equip biogeochemical sensors on underwater gliders.
Coral Reef Metabolism Team Coral Reef Metabolism Developing autonomous systems to measure coral reef metabolism.
News MBARI research and technology play integral role in new Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences Press Release 06.09.25
News New research reveals the importance of storms in air-sea carbon exchange in the Southern Ocean News 08.13.24
News New MBARI partnership will develop tools to monitor the effectiveness of ocean-based climate interventions News 09.07.23
Instrument In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (ISUS) Technology In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (ISUS) A sensor that measures concentrations of dissolved chemicals from their ultraviolet absorption spectrum.
Instrument Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) Technology Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) This “lab in a can” provides on-site collection and analysis of water samples from the ocean, identifying the presence of organisms and/or biological toxins.
Data Ocean Acidification 1 (OA1) Mooring Data from the OA1 mooring, located just offshore of Hopkins Marine Station and the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Data SOCCOM Float Data An interactive map that shows current locations and trajectories of SOCCOM biogeochemical floats and provides links to real-time raw and quality-controlled float data
Data SOCCOM Viz Data visualization for SOCCOM, a US NSF sponsored project focused on carbon and climate in the Southern Ocean