COBRA: A Research Accelerator for the Crustal Ocean Biosphere

Abstract The deep seafloor covers two-thirds of Earth's surface area, but our understanding the ecosystems and resources found in ocean, as well ability deep-sea to withstand human perturbation, is limited. These habitats demand urgent study there are emergent uses form mining carbon sequestration that will fundamentally alter physical, chemical, biological conditions took millions years establish. We propose international network COBRA, a research accelerator for crustal ocean biosphere. COBRA bring together diverse stakeholders experts, including interdisciplinary academic government scientists, private institutions, policy makers, data systems engineers, industry others coordinate efforts generate new knowledge inform decision making about activities could affect and, by extension, all society. also train next generation leaders exploration, science, through an innovative virtual program carry this effort into future generations earth science research. policies relating industrial decrease likelihood serious harm environment, maintain ecosystem services benefit