Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
The atmosphere and ocean are constantly exchanging carbon as part of the natural carbon cycle. Have you ever wondered how scientists track ocean carbon on a global scale?
Through the international Ships of Opportunity Program, NOAA AOML equips ships with sensors to monitor global ocean-atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange.
What can we learn from this initiative:
-This enables scientists to see where the ocean absorbs CO2, and where it releases it back into the atmosphere.
-It also helps scientists see how ocean chemistry is changing over time - and what impacts that can have on essential ecosystems.
By partnering with commercial and research vessels along their daily routes, NOAA’s Ships of Opportunity Program gathers massive amounts of global ocean carbon data. This collaborative approach allows scientists to collect climate information efficiently, as highlighted in the video.
Click the link to learn more: aoml.noaa.gov/ships-of-opportunity
The atmosphere and ocean are constantly exchanging carbon as part of the natural carbon cycle. Have you ever wondered how scientists track ocean carbon on a global scale?
Through the international Ships of Opportunity Program, NOAA AOML equips ships with sensors to monitor global ocean-atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange.
What can we learn from this initiative:
-This enables scientists to see where the ocean absorbs CO2, and where it releases it back into the atmosphere.
-It also helps scientists see how ocean chemistry is changing over time - and what impacts that can have on essential ecosystems.
By partnering with commercial and research vessels along their daily routes, NOAA’s Ships of Opportunity Program gathers massive amounts of global ocean carbon data. This collaborative approach allows scientists to collect climate information efficiently, as highlighted in the video.
Click the link to learn more: aoml.noaa.gov/ships-of-opportunity
