The NSF Chemical Oceanography program funds research focused on understanding the chemical composition, speciation, transformation, and cycling of elements within the ocean, as well as the chemical interactions between the ocean and other Earth systems. This program supports investigations into the role of oceans in global geochemical cycles and aims to elucidate how chemical processes influence and respond to biological, geological, and physical ocean dynamics. Key research themes include the transformation of organic and inorganic compounds, interactions at the air-sea interface, trace element cycling, and the effects of changing ocean conditions on chemical exchanges across different Earth systems.

Past award projects demonstrate the program’s focus on critical environmental and climate-related issues. One project, for example, explores the flux of methane from coastal sediments to the atmosphere in river-influenced regions, providing insights into greenhouse gas emissions and their regulation by microbial processes. Another study investigates the role of seagrass ecosystems in coastal carbon cycling, particularly focusing on alkalinity production and carbon dioxide removal potential—an area of growing interest for its implications on ocean acidification and climate change mitigation strategies【11†source】. In a complementary approach, another team is studying nitrous oxide dynamics in oxygen-deficient zones to improve understanding of its production, consumption, and potential future emission patterns as ocean deoxygenation intensifies【11†source】.

Eligible applicants include universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations engaged in oceanographic research. The NSF requires that all proposals align with the guidelines in the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), ensuring clarity, intellectual merit, and broader impacts. Proposals are evaluated on the scientific relevance of the research questions, methodological rigor, and the potential for advancing knowledge in marine chemistry and environmental science. Successful projects frequently incorporate interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative methodologies, and public outreach or educational components, such as data-sharing initiatives and training programs for underrepresented groups in STEM fields【11†source】.

For application, researchers must follow the specified deadlines and ensure compliance with NSF requirements. The evaluation criteria include intellectual merit, broader impacts, and the potential for transformative science. Key dates for submission and award timelines are generally available in the call document, with most projects spanning multiple years, supporting long-term studies that provide comprehensive insights into ocean chemistry.

Overall, the NSF Chemical Oceanography program prioritizes studies that address major environmental challenges, contribute to climate models, and foster educational opportunities, thus playing a crucial role in advancing marine science and environmental stewardship.