When scientist need to communicate how individual processes contribute to and yield balance in the natural environment we often need to rely on concepts. The “Biological Pump” is such a concept, referring at once to the sinking phytoplankton in the ocean, their decomposition in the ocean interior with the long-term carbon storage it brings, as well as the impact any changes in biological carbon pumping have on the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

The fertility of our ocean has varied through geologic history, and with it the strength and efficiency of the biological pump. We have much to learn how colder climates enhanced the biological pump to yield the reconstructed atmospheric CO₂ reductions that amplified climatic cooling, and what might happen to the biological pump in a warming future.

The operation of the Biological Pump in maintaining almost all habitats in the ocean cannot be understood without considering all spatial and temporal scales of nutrient cycling, another focus area of our research. We use and develop conceptual, diagnostic and prognostic models to reveal the primary relationships and interconnections that shape our Earth System.