Climate model projections suggest that local warming enhances surface ocean stratification and diminishes nutrient supply to the euphotic zone, thereby altering the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems whilst decreasing carbon (C) export production.
Concurrently, increased intensity and frequency of extreme events (droughts, floods, surface ocean heating) have unknown consequences for biogeochemical and ecosystem processes. Warming of subsurface waters decreases oxygen levels and affects sinking organic matter fluxes, composition and degradation rates, while destabilizing sub-seafloor methane hydrates. Moreover, these processes combined with changes in stratification, ocean circulation and residence time will further impact the storage of respired C at depth and hence the overall C cycle. The question arises whether the oceans can maintain their current productivity and biodiversity, and continue to supply critical ecosystem services including the provision of food and CO2 uptake? Can marine ecosystems adapt, or are these ecosystem-service capacities decreasing?
To help answer these questions we have created a partnership between GEOMAR and the University of Haifa to establish the Helmholtz International Lab in the eastern Mediterranean Sea as a model for Future Ocean Research (EMS FORE).
Figure 1: Historical outline of some anthropogenic impacts on the eastern Mediterranean Sea and their environmental consequences. Figure by Y. Makovsky.
The EMS is one of the most rapidly changing ocean basins on our planet impacted by both climate change and extensive anthropogenic pressures (Fig. 1).
The overarching aim of the International Lab is to use the EMS, from coastal to deep ocean, as a natural laboratory to gain mechanistic and quantitative understanding of biogeochemical and ecosystem transitions of a future (sub)tropical ocean (covering 40% of global ocean) affected by global warming and other anthropogenic pressures. For this purpose, the EMS is used as an early warning and model system to examine ecosystem resilience and sensitivity.
The International Lab EMS-FORE is based in Haifa, and combines GEOMAR’s unique experience in investigating biogeochemical processes in global oceans with Haifa’s knowledge of the functioning of the EMS and it’s established in situ observational platforms. GEOMAR and HAIFA are utilizing their knowledge and infrastructure for the investigation of biogeochemical and ecosystem transitions in the EMS. Early career scientists form an integral part of EMS FORE, from the proposal writing to the execution of the field and education programs, outreach and manuscript writing. Helmholtz, Israeli and international researchers are contributing to EMS FORE, providing further infrastructure, funding and intellectual inputs.
