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The Deep Carbon Observatory


The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) is a multidisciplinary, international, decadal initiative dedicated to achieving a transformational understanding of Earth's deep carbon cycle including its poorly-constrained reservoirs and fluxes, its unexplored influences on the surface carbon cycle and energy resources, and the unknown role of deep biology. Further exploring the fundamental physics and chemistry of carbon is key to understanding its behavior within Earth.

To achieve its mission the DCO has four scientific directorates: Reservoirs and Fluxes, Deep Life, Deep Energy, and the Physics and Chemistry of Carbon.

Preliminary Guiding Science Questions for the DCO's Directorates:

Reservoirs and Fluxes
 * How variable is carbon abundance in Earth's interior, including its mantle and core?
 * What are carbon fluxes and exchange pathways between the surface and deep Earth?
 * How much CO2 do volcanoes emit?

Deep Life
 * What is the extent and nature of Earth's subsurface biomass?
 * How do organisms survive under extreme conditions at great depth?
 * Did deep biochemistry play a central role in the origin of life?

Deep Energy
 * What is chemistry and biochemistry of hydrocarbon formation?
 * What is the nature and extent of high P-T abiotic organic synthesis?
 * What are the impacts of deep carbon on energy and the near-surface carbon cycle?

Physics and Chemistry of Carbon
 * What is the fundamental origin of the properties of carbon under extreme conditions?
 * What are the physical and chemical processes that govern carbon's behavior in Earth?
 * How do carbon-bearing fluids and solids respond to extreme conditions?

The DCO is guided by an Executive Committee and International Science Advisory Committee.

''' Visit the DCO Website for:'''
 * The DCO's vision, mission, and strategy
 * Information about the DCO's four science directorates
 * Opportunities and ways to get involved
 * DCO organization and committees
 * DCO newsletters
 * Past and future events
 * Community resources
 * Publications relating to carbon in Earth's interior

(1) http://dco.gl.ciw.edu