Southern Ocean Acts as 'Carbon Sink,' Absorbing More CO2 from Atmosphere Than it Discharges

Researchers have discovered that the Southern Ocean takes in more carbon from the atmosphere than it discharges, demonstrating that it is a significant carbon sink and an essential buffer against the impacts of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Previous studies and models have left researchers unsure of how much atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by the frigid seas around the Antarctic continent.