Director: Daniela Alejandra Del Valle
Codirector: Martí Galí Tàpias
Inicio: 10/2022
Fin: 09/2026
Entidad acreditante: Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) – CESIMAR – CENPAT – INIDEP
Código: DMS-PRO
Resumen: Organic methylated sulfur compounds (MSCs) play key roles in planktonic food webs as important carbon and sulfur substrates and also as infochemicals that mediate biological interactions. In addition, the oceanic emission of biogenic volatile MSCs to the atmosphere acts as a source of aerosols, which impact cloud formation and properties, and hence climate. In order to understand the role of MSCs in the Earth system, it is essential to have access to accurate rate measurements of the biotic and abiotic processes involved in the cycling of these compounds. One of the main objectives of the DMS-PRO working group is to establish a comprehensive and open-access database of quality-controlled MSC cycling rates. The WG will fully evaluate the analytical procedures and uncertainties in the quantification of MSC cycling rates and will synthesize and publish its findings and recommendations on standardized operating practices. The overarching objective of DMS-PRO is to establish an international community of practice focused on research, capacity development, and oceanographic multidisciplinary collaboration focused on the oceanic biogeochemical sulfur cycle. DMS-PRO has members from 14 different countries, with complementary expertise in the fields of chemical and microbial oceanography, molecular microbiology, photochemistry, sea-air exchange, biogeochemical modelling, and database setup and management. The diversity of perspectives and interdisciplinary skills ensures that the WG will significantly advance the understanding of MSC cycling processes and will produce impactful science of interest to a wide community.