OCN 780 Seminar | Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement: Experimental insights on Biogeochemical Effects | Meléndez

Presenter: Dr. Melissa Meléndez

Title: Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement: Experimental insights on Biogeochemical Effects

Abstract: Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is being explored as a strategy to remove CO₂ and mitigate ocean acidification, yet its biogeochemical and ecological consequences remain uncertain. This seminar presents results from laboratory and mesocosm experiments examining how the marine carbonate system responds to alkalinity additions, and how key reef calcifiers—corals and crustose coralline algae—respond under realistic, dynamic conditions. Using multiple alkalinity sources (e.g., CaO, NaOH, silicates), we evaluate both acute perturbations and longer-term equilibration with atmospheric CO₂. The results provide new constraints on organismal thresholds, material-specific effects, and the extent to which biological responses are driven by carbonate chemistry versus dissolution byproducts, helping define potential opportunities and risks of OAE in reef environments.

Location: (Hybrid) MSB 100 & Zoom (No password needed)

Time: 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm