First atomic images of mysterious ocean carbon

The first atomic resolution images of dissolved ocean compounds have revealed structures of almost 100 diverse molecules that form part of the largest carbon pool on Earth. A better understanding of this enormous carbon reservoir – some of which is estimated to be more than 6000 years old – will help scientists predict how it reacts to climate change.

There is as much carbon dissolved in the oceans as there is carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. However, scientists have yet to figure out which compounds make up the marine carbon pool: less than 10% of the approximately 5000 structures are known.