Deborah K. Steinberg

Papers

Total Citations

291

H-Index

About

Deborah K. Steinberg is a leading biological oceanographer whose research illuminates the critical role of marine zooplankton in the global carbon cycle. Her work centers on understanding how planktonic communities drive the biological pump—the process by which carbon is transported from the ocean surface to the deep sea. Steinberg’s major contributions include pioneering studies on the export and fate of net primary production, particularly through her leadership of the EXPORTS (EXport Processes in the Ocean from Remote Sensing) Science Plan, a landmark synthesis that has garnered over 290 citations. This work provides a predictive framework for quantifying how much carbon from phytoplankton photosynthesis is sequestered in the deep ocean, a key variable in climate models. Her research has revealed that zooplankton migrations and fecal pellet production are far more significant in carbon export than previously recognized. With a career spanning over two decades, Steinberg has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Oceanography Society’s Early Career Award, and has served as an editor for major journals. Her findings are essential for understanding ocean carbon storage and its response to climate change.