Monitoring carbon variation
Carbon Research
Carbon research examines how natural waters absorb, transform, and sequester carbon. It quantifies air–sea exchange, tracks dissolved inorganic carbon, alkalinity, and pH, and evaluates biological processes—photosynthesis, respiration, and the export of particulate carbon to depth. The goal is to reduce uncertainty in ocean carbon budgets and improve climate projections. Integrated time series across seasons and regions are essential to capture variability, attribute drivers, and inform mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Understanding carbon variations is essential for protecting our planet’s waters.
Carbon research focuses on tracking how carbon flows through water systems, shaping climate and marine ecosystems. Oceans absorb vast amounts of CO₂, buffering atmospheric change but driving acidification that threatens shell-building organisms and food webs. Monitoring pH, dissolved carbon, and related parameters helps scientists predict impacts, guide conservation, and inform global climate models. This work underpins sustainable management of aquatic environments.
Precision ocean carbon science
Sea-Bird Scientific instruments deliver trusted carbon research data
Backscattering
Measures particle concentration, signaling organic matter and sediment dynamics.
View backscattering solutions
pH
Track pH levels to maintain water chemistry and protect fish health and productivity.
View pH solutions
Fluorescence
Indicates organic matter and phytoplankton activity, key to carbon fixation processes.
Our fluorescence solutions
Nitrate
Monitor nitrate to prevent harmful buildup and maintain water quality for fish.
View nitrate solutions
Oxygen
Monitor dissolved oxygen to prevent stress and ensure optimal growth in aquaculture.
View oxygen solutions
Carbon research challenges
From particles to dissolved pools: optical pathways in carbon cycling
Tracking carbon flux requires precise monitoring of pH, dissolved oxygen, and CO₂-related parameters across dynamic environments. Variability in temperature and salinity complicates data interpretation. Sea-Bird Scientific’s integrated systems provide stable, long-term measurements of carbonate chemistry, supporting climate models and strategies to mitigate ocean acidification and carbon cycle impacts.
ECO V2 Optical Sensor
Dive into the next generation of optical monitoring with Sea-Bird Scientific’s cutting-edge ECO V2...
Deep SeapHOx™ V2 pH Sensor
The Deep SeapHOx™ V2 combines the SeaFET™ V2 pH sensor with the SBE 37 MicroCAT CTD sensor. The...
SUNA V2
The SUNA V2 is the ultimate solution for real-time nutrient monitoring. This sensor measures...
Making an impact
How our solutions are shaping carbon research
Discover how government, academic, and industry leaders use Sea-Bird Scientific instruments to advance research, monitor ecosystems, and shape global water policy.
Case Study
10.01.25
Revealing the Complex Dynamics of Antarctic Ice Shelf Melting with Sea-Bird Scientific’s SBE 49 FastCAT CTD + PDIM
This highlight was developed in partnership with the British Antarctic Survey. Sea-Bird Scientific interviewed Peter Davis, Ph.D., co-PI of the MELT project as part of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration at the British Antarctic Survey.
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Technology Guide
10.01.25
Inductive Modem Telemetry
Ocean scientists, researchers, and offshore engineers
are leveraging inductive modem technology to enable
seamless, cable-free data transmission between
subsurface instruments and buoy systems—streamlining
deployment and enhancing long-term monitoring
capabilities.
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Technology Guide
10.01.25
Sensors for AUV-ROV & Autonomous Platforms
Autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles
are revolutionizing ocean science by accessing environments
beyond the reach of traditional research methods. These
platforms, equipped with high-precision sensors, enable realtime
data collection while dramatically reducing operational
costs.
Learn More
Get in touch
Contact our team
Ready to take the next step? Connect with Sea-Bird Scientific’s team for personalized guidance, support, or to request a quote for our solutions.