Test-ArtUp

Ocean artificial upwelling

Global warming is predicted to increase ocean stratification, decrease the supply of nutrient-rich deep waters to the sunlit surface layer and thereby cause a decline in ocean productivity, particularly in low to mid latitudes (IPCC 2019). Active transport of nutrient-rich deep water to the sunlit surface layer, termed artificial upwelling, can partly compensate for this trend. While the benefit of this approach for the marine food web is undisputed, it’s potential in sequestering CO₂ is considered to be negligible. Recent studies on artificial upwelling, however, revealed a much higher potential for CO₂ removal than previously expected.

Test-ArtUp aims to examine, in a unique transdisciplinary approach, the use of artificial upwelling for the purpose of CO₂ removal with respect to its technical application and optimisation, its capacity for additional CO₂ uptake and long-term storage, the associated environmental risks and ecological side effects, the related economic benefits and trade-offs and the legal constraints and governance requirements.

Dissemination of the project results will be achieved in a two-way stakeholder dialogue, facilitated through a stakeholder reference group, and through targeted communication and dissemination channels with selected audiences, offering group-specific dissemination products.

The results of Test-ArtUp will be synthesised to provide knowledge-based advice on the possible implementation of artificial upwelling for CO₂ removal and will contribute to developing a Marine Carbon Roadmap in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life below Water)