Stefano Ciavatta, Mercator Ocean International
Nicolas Gruber, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
WP3 improves ocean models and combines them with observations to better simulate ocean processes. The results help study past and future conditions, detect trends and extreme events, and guide monitoring efforts. WP3 also validates indicators and data from other project parts and contributes ocean data products to the BioGeoSea platform in close coordination with all partners.
Task 3.1 connects ocean biology and physics by aligning modelling tools across BioGeoSea, ObsSea4Clim, and BioEcoOcean. It promotes shared use of models such as NEMO, PISCES, and SEAPODYM to study combined events like heatwaves, acidification, and oxygen loss. A joint modelling workshop will strengthen collaboration and innovation, boosting BioGeoSea’s impact on ocean-ecosystem understanding.
Task 3.2 advances global ocean biogeochemical models within Earth System Models to better represent key phenomena like the biological carbon pump and greenhouse gas exchange. Partners enhance model components (PISCES, iHAMOCC, MARBL) by refining optics, plankton and nitrogen cycles, and feedbacks on light and stratification. These upgrades improve simulations of ocean health and future climate impacts.
Task 3.3 develops and tests new methods to merge model outputs with real-world ocean observations. By assimilating satellite and in-situ data on nutrients, oxygen, optics and chlorophyll into global models, the task refines how biogeochemical variables are estimated and improves understanding of how physical and biological processes interact—laying the groundwork for more reliable global reanalyses.
Task 3.4 runs long-term regional and global simulations using the improved models. These include historical hindcasts, a global reanalysis, and future climate scenarios. The simulations explore key processes like acidification, deoxygenation, and carbon cycling, helping to reveal how biogeochemical indicators respond to past and projected climate change over decades.
Task 3.5 analyses simulation results to identify trends, extremes, and compound events affecting ocean biogeochemistry. It evaluates and optimises monitoring networks to track key indicators such as CO2 fluxes and oxygen variability. The task delivers recommendations to strengthen ocean observing systems and ensure better detection of early signals of change in ocean health.
