ABOVE AND BELOW: INVESTIGATING THE SEA SURFACE MICROLAYER AND ITS ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MONITORING

Abstract

The sea surface microlayer (SML), a thin boundary between the ocean and atmosphere, harbors a rich and diverse bacterial community. This unique environment, distinct from the underlying water, exhibits remarkable adaptations to survive harsh conditions and constant UV radiation.263 This report delves into the ecological significance of SML bacteria, highlighting their crucial role in nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas exchange, and carbon sequestration, and their potential implications for monitoring climate change dynamics.