Tag: Marine Chemistry
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Chemistry in Pictures: Tiny Ocean Engineers
Introduction: The Micro Architects of the Sea From the shimmering surface to the dark depths, the ocean hosts countless tiny builders whose work quietly sustains the global climate. Coccolithophores are among the most remarkable of these microscopic engineers. These single-celled marine algae construct intricate calcium carbonate shells—the unmistakable plates, spines, and lattice-like coverings that give…
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Chemistry in Pictures: Tiny Ocean Engineers and the Carbon Sequestration Plankton
Introduction: The quiet architects of the carbon cycle In the vast and dynamic marine realm, microscopic algae perform outsized roles. Among them, coccolithophores—tiny, single-celled plankton with plated, spiky exteriors—stand out for their chemistry-rich contributions to Earth’s climate system. These “tiny ocean engineers” pull carbon dioxide from seawater and convert it into calcium carbonate shells, constructing…