A mathematical perspective on microbial processes in earth’s biogeochemical cycles

Abstract

The quantitative analysis of biogeochemical cycles interfaces numerous scientific disciplines. These cycles are largely driven by the activity of microorganisms, which needs to be described in mathematical models. Numerous challenges arise from this: First, the challenge of scale, connecting microbes to global patterns across many orders of magnitude. Second, the mathematical treatment of complex natural processes require - aside from expert knowledge - the use of systematic and objective model reduction schemes. Third, models and diverse data need to be integrated efficiently. Here we discuss these three challenges, highlight promising avenues for the expansion of mathematical approaches in the study of Earth’s biogeochemical cycles and propose concerted educational efforts fostering collaborations in mathematical and geoscience research to advance the field.