Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo Department of
Integrated Biosciences

The huge amount of organic carbon corresponding to the whole carbon amount in atmospheric carbon dioxide is dissolved in the ocean. Prokaryotic microorganisms such as bacteria and archaea are the only users of this huge carbon pool and deeply involve in the global carbon cycle. In addition to carbon dioxide, microbial processes are also involved in the dynamics of greenhouse-related gases such as nitrous oxide, methane, and dimethyl sulfide. A deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles through these studies of microbial processes should lead to measures to address the environmental problems we face. It is not easy to study the vast ocean, but it is possible to carry out wide-area observations that cross the Pacific Ocean on board using a large research vessel and time-series observations at marine observatory stations. By collaborating with researchers of diverse fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology, we are taking on the challenge of various research issues in the ocean.