Microbial Oceanography

Supports the Simons Collaboration on Computational Biogeochemical Modeling of Marine Ecosystems and other programs

A variety of diatoms, microscopic algae, are shown under a microscope. They appear as intricate, translucent shapes and patterns against a blue background.
A microscopic view of single-celled algae called diatoms. Diatoms have unique cell walls made of silica and form an important foundation of the marine and freshwater food chains. Wim-Van-Egmond/Science Photo Library

About

Microbes sustain all of Earth’s habitats, including its largest biome, the global ocean. Microbes in the sea capture solar energy, catalyze biogeochemical transformations of important elements, produce and consume greenhouse gases, and fuel the marine food web. Measuring and modeling the distribution, composition and function of microbial communities, and their interactions with the environment, are key to understanding these fundamental processes in the ocean.

Collaborations

Microbial view of the world

Computational Biogeochemical Modeling of Marine Ecosystems

The Simons Collaboration on Computational Biogeochemical Modeling of Marine Ecosystems (CBIOMES) will develop and apply quantitative models of the structure and function of marine microbial communities at seasonal and basin scales.
Scientists on a research ships deck handle oceanographic equipment and supplies under a blue sky, with the deep blue ocean in the background.

Ocean Processes and Ecology

This collaboration advanced understanding of microbial life and ocean ecosystems at Station ALOHA and across the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.

Funded Work

SCOPE Synthesis: Impacts of viruses and grazers on marine picophytoplankton

Awarded 2025

SCOPE Synthesis: Molecular perspectives on microbial chemical energy fluxes in the upper ocean

Awarded 2025

SCOPE Synthesis: How nutrient supply rate and ratio shape diazotroph and non-diazotroph activity

Awarded 2025

SCOPE Synthesis: Multimodal data integration

Awarded 2025

Other Research Areas