2005 Essay Contest Finalist

Entry by Andrew Weis

Why I Want to be a Biogeochemist

The type of geoscientist that I want to be is a biogeochemist. In my job as a biogeochemist, I will study and monitor levels of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the worlds oceans and document the effects of the change in their levels. A lot of my work will be done in the hydrosphere.

In my job as a biogeochemist, I will travel to the four oceans collecting water samples from all different depths. Then I’ll take my samples into a lab and test them to find the CO2 levels in each. Then I’ll chart the rise or fall of the amount of CO2 in an office. I will compare my findings of CO2 to previous years and make predictions for the future.

I find this type of geoscientist interesting and important because many scientists believe that oceans are the key to dramatic shifts in the climate. The oceans are already warmer than they used to be because CO2 levels are rising and the weather around the world is changing. I think that helping the earth by studying CO2 levels in the ocean will benefit future generations. My studies will help people understand that they need to control the amount of CO2 on the earth. Two personal experiences I’ve had with this are of science include watching shows about the hurricanes, which may be caused by warmer oceans and also visiting Alaska and seeing how the glaciers are receding. When I become a biogeochemist I will use my knowledge to help prevent global warming.