Understanding WHOI's loc-ness Project (PODCAST)
- Ben Martens
- Aug 15
- 1 min read
In our latest episode of the Maine Coast Doc Talk podcast, Ben Martens chats with Dr. Adam Subhas of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to explore the research initiative known as the loc-ness project. Loc-ness stands for Locking away Ocean Carbon in the Northeast Shelf and Slope and is testing the safety and effectiveness of ocean alkalinity enhancement to combat climate change.
Understanding the loc-ness Project: Its primary aim is to explore the ocean's capacity to store carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Science Behind the Project The project's novel approach involves enhancing the ocean's natural alkalinity to amplify its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. By introducing alkaline substances, like sodium hydroxide, into ocean waters, researchers hope to replicate and expedite the natural weathering process of rocks that traditionally helps oceans store carbon.
Field Experiments and Methodology Adam discussed their initial field experiments, highlighting the focus on tracking alkaline solutions in ocean waters. Sensors, satellite imagery, and tracer dyes are employed to monitor water movement and alkalinity changes. Their upcoming experiment, slated to take place in the Wilkinson Basin of the Gulf of Maine, aims to evaluate how effectively this method removes atmospheric carbon and measure any impacts to the marine ecosystem
Check out Maine Coast Dock Talk for the entire conversation!
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You can learn more about the project by visiting https://locness.whoi.edu/
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