Artificial upwelling

Artificial upwelling

Mechanically pumping deep ocean water to the surface to increase CO2 storage.

PREMISE

Upwelling is a natural process where the winds and the rotation of the earth naturally determine the motion of dense, cold water from the deep ocean to the upper ocean layers. Deep water is rich in nutrients and stimulates phytoplankton growth while sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere.  

AMBITION

By mechanically pumping nutrient-rich deep ocean water to the surface, the carbon flux from the air-sea-interface to the ocean’s depth can be increased and the CO2 sequestration enhanced.