MBARI Technology Reveals Microbial Activity Rhythms in Ocean Eddies

Researchers have utilized autonomous underwater robots equipped with advanced genetic sampling instruments to analyze microbial activity within open ocean eddies. This technological approach allows scientists to observe how microbial communities respond to changing environmental conditions in remote areas of the ocean with high temporal resolution.

The research, conducted by scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), the University of Montana, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, provides an unprecedented view of gene expression and biogeochemistry. By operating continuously across vast regions, these autonomous vehicles capture data over hourly to weekly time scales, revealing patterns that were previously hidden from researchers.

High-Resolution Genetic Sampling

Traditional oceanographic sampling often relies on ship-based missions, which can be sporadic and limited by the physical presence of a vessel. The deployment of autonomous robots removes these constraints, enabling the continuous monitoring of remote marine environments.

The instruments integrated into these robots are capable of performing genetic sampling in situ. This allows researchers to track gene expression—the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional product—and biogeochemical changes in real-time as the robots navigate through different water masses.

The ability to sample at hourly and weekly intervals is critical for understanding the rhythms of microbial activity. Because microbes respond rapidly to changes in nutrients, temperature, and light, high-frequency sampling is necessary to capture the full scope of their biological responses.

North Pacific Eddy Study

To test these capabilities, MBARI and the University of Hawaii deployed a trio of autonomous vehicles in March and April 2018. The mission focused on investigating microbial communities within an ocean eddy located in the North Pacific, north of the Hawaiian Islands.

Ocean eddies are swirling masses of water that can transport heat, nutrients, and organisms across great distances. The research team specifically explored how these eddies influence the function and activities of marine algae, which are essential components of the ocean’s primary production.

By tracking the movement and biological state of these algae within the eddy, the researchers could better understand the mechanisms that drive microbial productivity in the open ocean.

Climate System Implications

The findings from this study, published in the journal Nature Communications, contribute to a broader understanding of the role marine life plays in the Earth’s climate system. Microbes are central to the global carbon cycle, as they facilitate the sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere into the deep ocean.

Understanding the rhythms of microbial activity and how they are triggered by environmental shifts helps scientists refine models of ocean carbon cycling. The integration of robotics and genetic analysis allows for a more precise mapping of these biological processes in the remote regions of the ocean where they occur most frequently.