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Project Code [INF/17/005]
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Project title
Analysis of climate relevant gases in seawater
Primary Funding Agency
Marine Institute
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
Project Abstract
This proposal is focused on acquiring a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS) in order to develop Ireland's capabilities for measuring the concentration and spatial/temporal distribution of key Green House Gases (GHG) and other climate relevant gases (O2, Ar, CO2, CH4, N2O, DMS) in surface seawater along the Irish west coast and the North East Atlantic. Collection of this data is seen as filling a substantial knowledge gap that exists at present with regard to the air/sea gas exchange of climate relevant gases along the Irish west coast and would strongly complement the long term atmospheric measurements from Mace Head. The MIMS instrument will also support and enhance ongoing research work on ocean acidification (existing Marine Institute funded project) the remote sensing of primary productivity (project in Marine spoke of iCRAG) along the Irish west coast with the ability to measure CO2, O2/Ar ratio and DMS simultaneously. The ability to determine CH4 in seawater using the MIMS will also help to constrain processes impacting this important GHG and may help to reveal the location of natural hydrocarbon seeps or methane hydrates in the seabed which will in turn will inform research on Geohazards and hydrocarbon prospecting (iCRAG). This new work will also form part of Ireland's contribution to the international SOLAS and IMBER programs. Overall the research arising from the acquisition of the MIMS instrument will support marine and climate policy in Ireland by better constraining the natural fluxes of key along the Irish coast and contribute to the knowledge base for the role of ecosystem services in this region.
Grant Approved
�48,569.00
Research Theme
Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
29/11/2018