Ocean science through natural tracers
Tracing the ocean’s hidden pathways.
The Radioisotope Geochemistry Lab investigates particle dynamics, carbon export, submarine groundwater discharge, and coastal biogeochemistry from the Gulf Coast to the global ocean.
Our work
Science across scales
Radioisotope measurements are paired with particle imaging, hydrography, field observations, and spatial analysis.
BCP
Biological Carbon Pump
Quantifying particle export and carbon transfer into the ocean interior.
Ra Isotopes
Land–Ocean Exchange
Tracing groundwater, mixing, nutrient delivery, and coastal hypoxia.
Po/Pb
Particles & Elements
Connecting particle properties with trace-element scavenging and cycling.
About the laboratory
Radioisotope Geochemistry Lab at USM
The Radioisotope Geochemistry Lab (RGL) at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) focuses on applying a diverse suite of geochemical tracers, particularly elemental radioisotopes, to investigate a wide range of marine and environmental processes. Our research is primarily centered on particle scavenging, carbon dynamics, and export fluxes in both coastal and open-ocean environments, with a strong emphasis on environmental and climate change impacts.
A significant aspect of our work involves exploring the efficiency and strength of the Biological Carbon Pump (BCP) under changing oceanic conditions. We aim to understand the key biogeochemical and physical factors influencing both BCP, coastal carbon cycling and Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) & Sequestration, which are critical components of the global carbon cycle and ocean-based climate mitigation strategies.
Natural radioisotopes, originating primarily from the uranium and thorium decay series, serve as powerful tracers due to their wide range of half-lives. Among them, short-lived radioisotopes act as natural clocks, providing invaluable tools for studying particle scavenging, residence time, water column mixing and interactions, as well as serving as paleoclimatic proxies. These tracers also play a crucial role in deciphering biogeochemical cycles and enhancing our understanding of oceanic and environmental processes.
Through our interdisciplinary approach, the Radioisotope Geochemistry Lab (RGL) at USM aims to advance scientific knowledge on oceanic carbon cycling, sequestration processes, and climate interactions, contributing to broader efforts in sustainable marine resource management and climate change mitigation.