SOCCOM project

[2] The project makes use of Argo float technology to monitor the temperature, salinity, and velocity of the ocean to a depth of 2000 meters.

The SOCCOM regional ARGO array is being fitted with biogeochemical sensors to measure additional components such as oxygen, nutrients, pH, chlorophyll, and particulates.

Argo floats are ideal for this project due to the often harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean, where manned expeditions can be treacherous.

The increasing acidity will decrease the calcium carbonate concentrations even more making it difficult for calcifying organisms to develop and survive.

[5] The better quantification of biogeochemical variables in the oceans has been an ongoing effort and primarily this has been done with the collection of water samples via ships that are later analyzed in a lab.

The acidity of the water is measured with ion sensitive pH sensors attached to the Argo floats.

The amphoteric oxide coating of the transistor conduction channel allows for the surface charge to change depending on pH.

[5] Therefore, the response of the acidity of the Southern Ocean in relation to the amount of carbon dioxide it sequesters is an objective of the SOCCOM project.