Since its launch in 2010, GEOTRACES implemented a three-pronged synthesis of results effort covering the main scientific themes of the programme:
- Supply and removal of trace elements and isotopes (TEIs) at ocean interfaces
- Internal cycling of TEIs within the ocean
- Geochemical tracers as paleoceanographic proxies
To undertake this effort, GEOTRACES partnered with other institutions and international programmes ensuring that GEOTRACES results benefit other oceanographic disciplines. Data in the GEOTRACES Intermediate Data Product was used in each effort to demonstrate the usefulness of the GEOTRACES IDP to the broader oceanographic community.
The table below summarises the main events and outcomes of the GEOTRACES synthesis of results effort:
Supply and removal of TEI at ocean interfaces | Internal cycling of TEIs within the ocean | Geochemical tracers as paleoceanographic proxies |
|---|---|---|
The Royal Society coupled workshop and meeting: (1) The biological and climatic impacts of ocean trace-element chemistry meeting (2) Quantifying fluxes and processes in trace-metal cycling at ocean boundaries workshop | Joint GEOTRACES / OCB (Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry) workshop: Biogeochemical cycling of trace elements within the ocean: A synthesis workshop | Joint GEOTRACES / PAGES (Past Global Changes) workshop: Trace element and isotope proxies in paleoceanography: A synthesis workshop |
7-10 December 2015 London/Buckinghamshire, UK | 1-4 August 2016 Palisades, NY, USA | 3-5 December 2018 Aix-Marseille, France |
| Discussion meeting website Workshop website | Workshop website | Workshop website |
| Outcomes: Special issue published in:Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A | Outcomes: List of outcomes | Workshop report |
Strengthen the GEOTRACES synthesis of results effort
The early synthesis phase led to major advances in understanding the biogeochemical cycles of TEIs in the ocean. It strengthened links with related oceanographic disciplines, promoted data sharing, and enhanced the visibility of GEOTRACES research.
At the same time, it highlighted the need for more integrated approaches, as further insights could be gained by combining results and applying new synthesis methods. In response, the GEOTRACES Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) developed recommendations to strengthen synthesis and maximise programme impact.
To advance this effort, GEOTRACES held the Synthesis Preparation Workshop held on 3–4 July 2025 (Delmenhorst, Germany, and online), to reflect on and refine its synthesis strategy. The report from this workshop is available here, and the workshop webpage can be viewed here.
The SSC continues to work on defining the overall synthesis strategy, ensuring it guides future activities.