Cristina Schultz

Sponsor: NOAA

mCDR 2023: Developing a coupled benthic-pelagic biogeochemical model to evaluate the effectiveness of mCDR interventions

Deep cuts to emissions across all sectors are needed in order to limit global warming to 1.5˚C to 2˚C above preindustrial values. If zero emission is ever to be achieved, further implementation of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies are also necessary to offset emissions from hard-to- abate sources. This project will focus on two CDR approaches with direct influence on the ocean sediment: seaweed farming and further sinking into the deep ocean and restoration of “blue carbon” coastal ecosystem, more specifically cessation of bottom trawling to preserve sediment carbon. We will do so by developing a new model for the ocean sediment and benthos that can be coupled to existing ocean models to simulate these strategies and quantify their effect on the carbon cycle as well as understand potential feedbacks that could impact the ocean ecosystem.