Rapid ice melt in Antarctica and Greenland is weakening the ocean’s ability to absorb heat and carbon, according to new research published this month in “Earth’s Future.”
Oceans have long acted as a climate buffer, absorbing over 30% of human-generated carbon dioxide and over 90% of excess heat. However, scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder found that freshwater from melting ice sheets disrupts this system in complex, non-linear ways.
Using advanced simulations, the team of researchers discovered that meltwater from the two poles has different effects. Antarctic meltwater more directly influences heat storage and may temporarily boost heat absorption until around 2050, after which ocean heat storage begins to decline. In contrast, meltwater from Greenland’s glaciers reduces carbon storage beginning around 2040, with lasting impacts.
The study also found that heat moves through the ocean more quickly and reaches deeper layers, while carbon remains near the surface and changes more slowly. Researchers noted that many climate models underestimate the effects of water movement and salinity.
Scientists warn these disruptions could harm marine ecosystems and trigger climate feedback loops, potentially releasing stored heat and carbon into the atmosphere and further accelerating global warming.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1744681001/1613368089
1. What is causing the disruption in the ocean’s ability to absorb heat and carbon?
2. Which two regions are contributing meltwater that affects ocean systems?
3. When does the study predict ocean heat storage will begin to decline?
4. How does Greenland’s meltwater affect carbon storage, and when does it begin?
1. Why is the ocean’s ability to absorb heat and carbon important for Earth’s climate?
2. How might rapid ice melt in the poles affect marine animals?
3. Why do you think carbon remains near the surface while heat moves deeper?
4. What surprised you most about this new research?
Rapid ice melt in Antarctica and Greenland is weakening the ocean’s ability to absorb heat and carbon, according to new research published this month in “Earth’s Future.”
