Oceans carbon fluxes
An important role played by the ocean is the storage and exchange of CO2 with the atmosphere, and its diffusion toward deeper layers. At high latitudes, dense waters sink, transferring carbon to the deep ocean. Warming of the ocean surface inhibits this sinking process and therefore reduces the efficiency of CO2 transport and storage. Furthermore, as water warms up, the solubility of CO2 declines, therefore less gas can be stored in the sea water.
Year: 2006
From collection: Blue Carbon-The Role of Healthy Oceans in Binding Carbon
Cartographer: Riccardo Pravettoni