Ocean Interactions – Interactive display of ocean plankton role in global carbon cycle

Microbial communities play a critical role in global biogeochemical cycling and maintaining the health of Earth’s ecosystems. Key organisms – phytoplankton, heterotrophic bacteria, and phages – have different roles contributing to the global biogeochemical cycling in the ocean. 

Researchers investigated how different microbial genotypes influence their environmental impact, using Narragansett Bay as a case study. Here, heterotrophic bacteria exhibit seasonal variations in response to interactions with phytoplankton and the overall nutrient availability. To bridge the gap between the vast amount of genomic data on plankton and its real-world impact, a collaborative effort between scientists from University of Rhode Island and designers from Rhode Island School of Design and Northeastern produced an interactive visual tool – an agent-based simulation. This tool acts as a bridge, illuminating the relationships between microbial abundance, interspecies connections, and seasonal changes in the ocean environment. Users can directly observe how these biointeractions influence carbon sequestration, a crucial process for mitigating climate change.

This project transcends traditional science. It serves as an example of designing with natural interactions. The interactive tool gamifies the learning process, fostering a deeper understanding of complex biological systems and their role in climate adaptation. Additionally, collaborations were established to develop a novel visualization methodology, showcasing the intricate network of biointeractions within the plankton community and their impact on the global carbon cycle. This project exemplifies how science and design can work together to illuminate existing biointeractions and empower the public to understand the vital role these interactions play in a healthy planet.