Scientists discover nearly 200,000 new viruses in the ocean

"Because of the complex chemistry, increasing levels of carbon dioxide at the surface acidifies the oceans," Sullivan said. "However, if carbon dioxide is converted to organic carbon and biomass, it can then become particulates and sink deep into the ocean. This is a good result to help mitigate man-made climate change – and we learn that viruses can help facilitate this sinking. Having a new location map for these viruses can help us understand this ocean carbon "pump" and, more broadly, the biogeochemistry that impacts the planet.