Research
How ocean carbon levels influence climate and marine life
A study of the Southern Ocean’s role in global climate began
in March 2006 when Australian scientists headed to the sub-Antarctic
aboard a research vessel to monitor carbon dioxide in the ocean
and assess its influence on marine life.
The Subantarctic Zone (SAZ) of the Southern Ocean is a major sink
for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Transfer of the CO2 to the ocean
interior involves both physical and biological processes. Transfer
of the CO2 through the ocean surface mixed layer (~ top 100m) is
a highly dynamic process that varies dramatically on seasonal timescales.
Last updated
6/01/12
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