Ocean Acidification Mesocosm

Our lab maintains an ocean acidification mesocosm system (OAMS) at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, OR. This facility allows us to manipulate seawater chemistry, light levels, and temperature to answer questions about the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on marine organisms. 

Seawater pCO2 in the OAMS is controlled by three pairs of Alicat Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs) that control three levels of pCO2 (one pair of air + CO2 MFCs per pCO2 level). CO2 gas is injected into seawater to alter carbonate chemistry. Seawater injection occurs using Venturi injectors associated with 3 independent gravity-fed flow-through header reservoir tanks that direct seawater through PVC piping and tubing into experimental chambers in an associated rack and seawater table. This resource is available to graduate students, postdocs and collaborators with our group.