Recent research shows a startling shift in how the ocean affects climate change. Ocean circulation is likely to slow as global warming continues. This slowing was thought to reduce the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, aggravating climate change. MIT’s recent study shows a more intricate relationship.
As the ocean’s circulation decreases, it may release more deep ocean carbon dioxide into the sky, according to MIT researcher Jonathan Lauderdale. Ocean circulation, nutrition availability, and ligands form this unexpected feedback loop.
Ligands help phytoplankton, microscopic sea organisms that absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, get iron. Slow ocean circulation impairs nutrient and ligand distribution. The decrease in phytoplankton development reduces their carbon dioxide absorption capability.
“This finding challenges previous assumptions about the ocean’s role in climate regulation,” he says. “It suggests that relying on natural processes like ocean circulation to mitigate climate change may not be as effective as we thought.”
Lauderdale stresses proactive carbon emission reduction. “We can’t depend solely on the ocean to store carbon dioxide,” cautions. “Addressing emissions now is critical to minimizing future climate impacts.”
This study emphasizes the necessity of investigating ocean biology and climate systems. Understanding this complexity will help design effective climate change mitigation methods in the future.
