Besides the underwater volcanism, I have mentioned several times the unknown role of ocean biota as a weak point in the modeling process. This weakness applies both in its absence from the intial conditions, as well as the feedback formulas used in any particular model.
I recently saw a show on PBS and the folks were looking at the bacteria in ocean water. Past efforts to culture these bugs have failed apparently, but they were gene-sequencing them on the boat as I recall. This article C1ay just posted sounds like the same or a similarly minded group.
Team probes mysteries of oceanic bacteria
Quote:
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Microbes living in the oceans play a critical role in regulating Earth's environment, but very little is known about their activities and how they work together to help control natural cycles of water, carbon and energy.
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Shall we just guess the bugs are not doing anything that my inhibit or speed the oceans' ability to take up CO2 and/or hold & release heat? To the boats!
