Artificial Upwelling and Downwelling

Artificial upwelling (AU) and downwelling (AD) are forms of biotic marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).

AU and AD could enhance the ocean’s natural vertical circulation patterns via a system of long vertical pipes equipped with circulation pumps. In AU, these pumps circulate nutrient-rich seawater upwards from the ocean’s depth into nutrient-poor surface waters, where (it is hoped) these nutrients can stimulate phytoplankton blooms. In AD,  pumps circulate plankton-rich surface waters downwards into the ocean’s depths, where (it is hoped) the plankton biomass will remain deep underwater for thousands of years.

This method is in the research stage currently, and is not yet implemented at scale as a climate solution.