The Marine Biological Pump

The biological pump, facilitated by marine organisms, is a crucial process that removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and deposits it in ocean sediments for extended periods. This mechanism significantly mitigates the impact of human-induced global warming by capturing and incorporating 25–50% of emitted CO2. Phytoplankton, minute unicellular organisms, primarily drive this process through photosynthesis in marine planktonic food webs. The chapter follows the journey of a carbon atom originating from CO2, undergoing various transformations within the marine ecosystem. From being trapped by microalgae to becoming part of larger organisms through the food web, the carbon atom eventually settles in ocean sediments, contributing to the intricate mechanisms sustaining ocean life. The pathways of carbon atom journeys are diverse, with durations ranging from days to centuries, highlighting the complexity and importance of each carbon’s role in oceanic processes. Overall, the biological pump underscores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems in sequestering carbon and regulating the Earth’s climate.