Dive into the depths of knowledge right here at the Ocean Lab. This is part of MARUM, the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen. MARUM explores the critical role oceans play in our planet’s systems.
MARUM’s researchers are uncovering secrets from the ocean floor. They examine how the ocean impacts Earth’s climate. They also investigate biological and geochemical processes. The ocean floor acts like an archive. It holds records of past environmental conditions. Scientists can learn about climate change factors by studying it.
MARUM uses advanced technology for its research. This includes deep-sea robots and drilling equipment. They investigate the climate history and marine life.
One of MARUM’s key resources is its core repository. It contains over 250,000 drilling core segments. These samples come from around 90 expeditions. These expeditions explored the Atlantic, Arctic, Mediterranean and Black Seas. If placed end to end, these samples would stretch 158 kilometers.
These core samples help researchers understand past climates. For instance, they once found forest soil in excellent condition. This allowed them to reconstruct West Antarctica’s climate from 90 million years ago.
MARUM develops unique drilling rigs for the ocean floor. The MARUM-MeBo70 and MARUM-MeBo200 obtain core samples. These rigs are one-of-a-kind globally. MARUM collaborates with industrial partners in their development.
MARUM also focuses on new technology development. Engineers and marine scientists work together. They create measuring and sampling equipment for expeditions. The remotely operated vehicle MARUM-QUEST explores to depths of 4,000 meters. It investigates mud volcanoes and cold-water corals.
The MARUM-MeBo drills can extract sediment cores up to 70 meters long. MARUM-MeBo200 can drill up to 200 meters deep. It operates in water depths of up to 2,700 meters.
MARUM coordinates the University’s marine research efforts. It hosts the Excellence Cluster “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface.” Researchers collaborate with partners locally and globally and also teach students.
MARUM also archives and publishes data from Earth system research. This system is named PANGAEA. It promotes a holistic view of the Earth. MARUM maintains two core storage facilities. These contain cores from various expeditions.
So, remember the Ocean Lab. It is where Bremen researchers explore the ocean’s mysteries. They work to understand our planet’s past and future.