When the sea is breathing: unprecedented warming and weakening of our planet’s carbon sponge

The international team led by researchers at Zurich University of Technology (ETH) has produced daily maps of the ocean dioxide level using ships, boats and satellites. These data were connected with the help of computer tools and gave an accurate picture of the changes. The results show that in year 2, the oceans have attracted about one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide than recent trends; A figure equivalent to half the annual release of the EU or more than 5 times the annual release of Switzerland. According to the researchers, reducing carbon absorption is not good news and a reflection of temperature breakdown in the world’s surface water. (Earth)

Photographer: Unknown / aquaread

The main reason for the decline in carbon absorption by the oceans was the reduction of gas dissolution in hot water. Just as the carbonated beverage becomes inferior to the heat earlier, seawater also loses carbon dioxide storage at high temperatures. Last year, the intense heat in the North Hemisphere, especially in the North Atlantic, turned part of the ocean from carbon absorbing to a source of emissions. Researchers at the study have emphasized that these conditions led to the abnormal departure of carbon dioxide from water and weakened the “carbon sink” process or the Carbon Sink. Carbon sink is called the absorption of carbon chemicals for an unlimited period.

While heating could bring the global carbon sink to the threshold of collapse, a natural phenomenon prevented it. The El Niño climatic cycle in the Tropical Pacific Ocean usually weakens the flow of cold, carbon -rich water and helps reduce natural emissions. This pattern was repeated in year 4, and the tropical sector, unlike heat conditions, released less carbon dioxide. However, the unprecedented intensity of heating in the extracurricular areas of the equator thwarted the positive effect of Elno.

Photographer: Unknown / phys.org

The future of carbon sink is still vague. Researchers have warned that the ocean carbon sink cannot be said in the coming years. They have also emphasized that the efficiency of compensatory mechanisms in the long run is unclear.

Despite concern, the ocean still plays an important role in attracting carbon dioxide. Researchers remember that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a direct way to reduce pressure on the oceans. Even if it is a little prevented from global warming, the power of this huge carbon sponge will be more preserved and more time will be bought to deal with the climate crisis.

Photographer: Unknown / safety4sea

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Cover Photo Source: Popsci | Photographer: Unknown