The path of carbon to the Baltic Sea – on the verge of being revealed
The role of the Baltic Sea in the climate often goes under the radar. But an increasing number of studies show that the sea plays an important role in absorbing and storing carbon. With BalticWater's research project on the origin of carbon, another important piece of the puzzle will make the picture of the sea's role for the climate clearer.
The role of the sea for the climate
We know today that the coastal zone plays an important role in storing carbon. But we know far less about where the carbon comes from – a large part can originate on land and be transported down to the sea and then buried in its sediments. It is important to find out where the carbon comes from so that you can reduce the risk of the carbon being disrupted to the sea. A forest area, a river or a field are examples of areas where the carbon can start its journey on its way to the bottom of the sea. This knowledge is important for identifying areas that need to be protected and restored so that we maximise the climate benefits of the ocean.
A project that traces the carbon’s origin
The project on the origin of carbon started in 2025 and is run by Nicholas Kamenos and his research colleagues at Umeå University. With advanced chemical and genetic methods, the sources of the carbon will be traced. The goal is to produce a map that can show the different transport routes of carbon – from the source all the way down to the sediment bottoms of the Baltic Sea. It is important that the role of the sea in the climate is given a prominent role when we manage the sea, but also that the connection between land and sea is clarified. Nicholas' project has the potential to contribute to both.
What has happened since the start?
Sediment cores have been taken from areas in the Gulf of Bothnia and the samples have been processed and sent on for analysis. Some results have already arrived and are being analyzed, while other test results are still pending. Due to long queues for analysis of certain samples, the project has been extended for a year – we will have to be patient! At the end of 2027, BalticWaters will receive the researchers' final report. Then we will return with the next article that will show the carbon's path to the Baltic Sea.