| Abstract | The overall aim of CYBER is to deepen our understanding of biogeochemical cycles and the functioning of marine ecosystems, in order to understand their past and future evolution. The physical, chemical and biological properties of the modern and past ocean need to be studied at different spatial and temporal scales. This involves quantifying the stocks and fluxes of biogenic and trace elements and their isotopes, studying the processes involved in the production of organic matter, as well as its transformation, degradation, transfer to higher trophic levels, or sequestration in the deep ocean and sediments. The role of organisms in biogeochemical cycles needs to be considered, including from the point of view of functional biodiversity. The ocean constantly exchanges matter and energy with the other compartments of the Earth system. The processes taking place at its interfaces need to be studied to understand their impact on ocean functioning, and also to quantify its role in the Earth system. To achieve these objectives, CYBER promotes the structuring of multidisciplinary research in conjunction with the major international programs of Future Earth and SCOR (IMBER http://www.imber.info/ , Future Earth Coasts https://www.futureearthcoasts.org/, SOLAS http://www.solas-int.org/ , GEOTRACES http://www.geotraces.org/ , GlobalHAB http://www.globalhab.info/ ). |
