Elemental or isotopic tracers reveal geochemical processes of many elements in the ocean. At GSO, measurements of naturally-occurring and bomb-generated radioactive isotopes of Uranium, Thorium and Protactinium in seawater help define processes responsible for the chemistry of seawater and the fate of insoluble and slightly soluble metals in the ocean.

Carbon is intimately tied to Earth’s climate while nitrogen is an essential nutrient for biology. Studying the concentration and speciation of carbon and nitrogen in the ocean over geologic time, shows a cycle of nitrogen closely tied to changes in climate, which is in turn dependent on atmospheric and oceanic carbon, suggesting a climate feedback.

Man-made organic substances are found in both marine and fresh water. At GSO, chemists measure their levels, persistence, whether or not they breakdown, and determine if they contain levels harmful to humans and animals. For harmful substances, studies identify possible processes for mitigating their effects.