Cooler 'Ocean Skin' Found to Increase Carbon Dioxide Absorption in Atlantic

A recent study has found that the cooler temperatures of the ocean's surface layer help absorb more carbon dioxide (CO₂), significantly contributing to climate change mitigation. 

Researchers from the University of Exeter conducted this study in the Atlantic Ocean, revealing that it absorbs approximately 7% more CO₂ each year than previously thought. While this may seem like a small increase, it amounts to one and a half times the amount of carbon absorbed by all the trees in the Amazon rainforest each year.

'Ocean Skin' Temperature Differences Linked to CO₂ Absorption 

The researchers focused on the "ocean skin," which is a thin layer less than 2 millimeters deep at the surface of the ocean. This layer is slightly cooler than the water beneath it. 

Past theories suggested that this temperature difference could lead to increased CO₂ absorption, but this study is the first to successfully observe this phenomenon in the ocean.

According to Science Daily, the study useed advanced measurement techniques to analyze the temperature and CO₂ levels at the ocean surface. These observations were made during two projects backed by the European Space Agency. 

The researchers measured tiny differences in CO₂ levels in the air near the ocean surface to understand how much carbon the ocean is absorbing. Their findings suggest that temperature differences at the ocean's surface play a crucial role in determining how much CO₂ is absorbed from the atmosphere.

The ocean is essential for managing carbon emissions, absorbing about a quarter of humanity's total emissions. This new knowledge enhances our understanding of how oceans interact with the atmosphere and helps improve global carbon assessments used for emission reduction strategies. 

According to the study's lead author, the results reinforce previous theoretical predictions regarding CO₂ fluxes at the ocean surface.

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