Recent research emphasizes the crucial role of underwater waves and turbulence in the ocean’s heat and carbon storage, indicating that climate models need to better account for these small-scale dynamics. A collaborative study led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and others investigated turbulence in the Atlantic Ocean and discovered that existing climate models inadequately represent the impact of underwater waves, which can reach heights of up to 500 meters. As the ocean absorbs most heat and carbon from human activities, turbulence significantly influences how deeply these elements penetrate the ocean’s layers.
The findings reveal that the Atlantic Ocean’s circulation, particularly the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), is vital for regulating global heat and carbon levels. Researchers utilized remote sensing and ship-based measurements, uncovering that heat from the North Atlantic reaches the Antarctic faster than previously believed, with turbulence aiding this process. They highlighted that while climate models include turbulence, they often oversimplify its effects on heat and carbon absorption. The study calls for installing turbulence sensors globally and refining climate models to improve future climate change projections, underscoring the need for more comprehensive understanding of these underwater dynamics.
