The role of the oceans in the global climate

The role of the oceans in the global climate

Our oceans are also magnificent miracles of nature and decisive factors in global climate systems. Covering with around 70% of the earth's surface and holding more than 90% of the heat stored in the biosphere, they play a crucial role in regulating our planet. But how exactly do the oceans influence our climate and why is it important to understand this?

meaning of the oceans

heat and energy

The oceans are gigantic collectors of solar energy. They absorb about two thirds of the sun's rays incident in the earth. Thanks to your enormous heat capacity, you can save the absorbed energy and thus regulate the temperature of the planet. This ability is essential to stabilize the global climate because it cushions the effects of temperature fluctuations.

water cycle

The oceans also play a key role in the global water cycle. They are the main source of evaporation, which in turn causes precipitation - an essential mechanism that makes most of the surface of the earth habitable.

carbon sink

Another aspect is the function of the oceans as a carbon sink. They absorb a large part of the CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in the form of organic and inorganic carbon compounds in the sea water and sea floor. This helps to control the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and thus counteract global warming.

the ocean currents and the climate

Thermohaler Circulation

The oceans are not only passive memory of heat and carbon, but they also transport them from the tropics to the poles and thus the climate conditions influenced by it into different regions of the world. This is done by a phenomenon known as the thermal jelly circulation in which both the temperature (thermal) and the salinity (haline) influence the specific weight of the water and thus its currents.

golfstrom

A well -known example of this is the Gulf Stream, which transports warm water from the Gulf from Mexico to Europe. As a result, the European countries benefit from a much more moderate climate than it corresponds to their geographical width.

oceans and climate change

With all the mechanisms already mentioned that influence the climate, it is worth taking a closer look at the role that the oceans play in the context of current climate change.

acidification of the ocean

One of the serious consequences of climate change is the acidification of the oceans. Since the ocean continues to absorb the excess CO2 from the atmosphere, the acidity of the sea water increases. This has devastating effects on marine life, especially on those who rely on calcium carbonate, such as mussels and corals.

increase in sea level

Another direct effect of climate change on the oceans is the increase in sea level due to the warming and thus the expansion of the water and by melting the ice layers. This has serious consequences for coastal communities worldwide.

Change of ocean currents

In addition, there are indications that climate change could also change the ocean currents. For example, a weakening of the thermal haird of circulation could disturb the warm golf current and thus have an impact on the climate in Europe.

FAZIT

The role of the oceans in the global climate is diverse and complex. They have a heat balancing effect, regulate the water cycle and serve as carbon sinks. Due to the current climate change and the associated changes, the oceans reach their limits. It is all the more important to protect and maintain these fascinating but also vulnerable ecosystems.