Recent research has unveiled that the world's oceans are absorbing approximately 7% more carbon dioxide (CO2) annually than earlier estimates suggested. This discovery, stemming from a study published in Nature Geoscience, was conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Exeter, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and the University of Southampton, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA).
The study focused on the ocean skin, a thin layer of water just 0.01 mm deep that is cooler than the water below it. This unique temperature differential enhances the ocean's ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The researchers conducted extensive measurements in the Atlantic Ocean, utilizing flux systems aboard ships to detect minute differences in atmospheric CO2 levels and temperature readings of the ocean skin.
According to the findings, this additional carbon uptake is equivalent to about 1.5 times the annual carbon sequestered by the Amazon rainforest. The research emphasizes the need for improved global carbon assessments, particularly in light of the upcoming COP29 climate change conference.
Daniel Ford, a researcher from the University of Exeter, stated, "Our findings provide measurements that confirm our theoretical understanding about carbon dioxide fluxes at the ocean surface." Fellow researcher Ian Ashton noted the collaborative effort involved, saying, "This work is the culmination of many years of effort from an international team of scientists. ESA's support was instrumental in putting together such a high-quality measurement campaign across an entire ocean."
Gavin Tilstone from Plymouth Marine Laboratory remarked on the significance of the ocean's structure, stating, "Understanding these subtle mechanisms is crucial as we continue to refine our climate models and predictions." Craig Donlon of ESA added, "The implications of these results are profound in terms of carbon accounting, which currently pays little attention to the role of the ocean surface." This research underscores the ocean's vital role in regulating the planet's carbon cycle and climate.