Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Southern ocean carbon sink weakened

Southern ocean carbon sink weakened

May 21, 2007

Scientists have observed the first evidence that the Southern Ocean's ability to absorb the major greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, has weakened by about 15 per cent per decade since 1981.
18 May 2007

In research published today in Science, an international research team - including CSIRO's Dr Ray Langenfelds - concludes that the Southern Ocean carbon dioxide sink has weakened over the past 25 years and will be less efficient in the future. Such weakening of one of the Earth's major carbon dioxide sinks will lead to higher levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the long-term.




Dr Paul Fraser, who leads research into atmospheric greenhouse gases at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, says the international team's four-year study concludes that the weakening is due to human activities.

"The researchers found that the Southern Ocean is becoming less efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide due to an increase in wind strength over the Ocean, resulting from human-induced climate change," Dr Fraser says.

"The increase in wind strength is due to a combination of higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and long-term ozone depletion in the stratosphere, which previous CSIRO research has shown intensifies storms over the Southern Ocean."

The increased winds influence the processes of mixing and upwelling in the ocean, which in turn cause an increased release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, reducing the net absorption of carbon dioxide into the ocean.

"Combined, the Earth's land and ocean sinks absorb about half of all carbon dioxide emissions from human activities," Dr Fraser says. "The Southern Ocean takes up 15 per cent of these emissions, hence a reduction in its efficiency will have serious implications for atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations over coming decades."

Dr Fraser points to one piece of good news: that ozone levels in the stratosphere have stopped declining and should recover slowly in coming decades. "Thus the impact of ozone depletion on the Southern Ocean carbon dioxide sink will lessen in the future, but the impact of increasing levels of greenhouse gases will continue unabated."

The international team comprised researchers from CSIRO in Australia, the Max-Planck Institute in Germany, the University of East Anglia and British Antarctic Survey in England, the Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory in the US, NIWA in New Zealand, the South African Weather Service, LSCE/IPSL and CNRS in France, and the Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies in Japan.

The team used observations from 40 stations around the world, including Cape Grim in north-west Tasmania. The Cape Grim station, operated by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, monitors and studies changes in global atmospheric composition in a program led by CSIRO and the Bureau.

Meanwhile, research to increase understanding and improve management of the oceans will increase following the announcement today by WA Premier, the Hon Alan Carpenter. The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) is a new $A21 million, five-year research collaboration focussing on the marine environment to Australia's west.

CSIRO Australia



Related Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News Articles Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News RSS Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News RSS
Fish food fight: Fish don't eat trees after all, says new study
What constitutes fish food is a matter of debate. A high-profile study a few years ago suggested that fish get almost 50 percent of their carbon from trees and leaves, evidence for a very close link between the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Is global warming unstoppable?
In a provocative new study, a University of Utah scientist argues that rising carbon dioxide emissions - the major cause of global warming - cannot be stabilized unless the world's economy collapses or society builds the equivalent of one new nuclear power plant each day.

Scripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.

Oceans' uptake of manmade carbon may be slowing
The oceans play a key role in regulating climate, absorbing more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide that humans put into the air.

Developing 'green' tires that boost mileage and cut carbon dioxide emissions
A new generation of "green" automobile tires that can boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing safety and durability is rolling their way through the research pipeline.

Berkeley Lab Lends Expertise to India to Promote Energy Efficiency
ndia may rank only a distant fourth in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, behind China, the United States and Russia, but its rapid economic growth rate coupled with aging and inefficient energy infrastructure suggest dire environmental consequences if "business as usual" continues.

Tiny bubbles clean oil from water
Small amounts of oil leave a fluorescent sheen on polluted water. Oil sheen is hard to remove, even when the water is aerated with ozone or filtered through sand.

Health care accounts for 8 percent of US carbon footprint
The American health care sector accounts for nearly a tenth of the country's carbon dioxide emissions, according to a first-of-its-kind calculation of health care's carbon footprint.

Climate studies to benefit from 12 years of satellite aerosol data
Aerosols, very small particles suspended in the air, play an important role in the global climate balance and in regulating climate change.

Controversial new climate change results
New data show that the balance between the airborne and the absorbed fraction of carbon dioxide has stayed approximately constant since 1850, despite emissions of carbon dioxide having risen from about 2 billion tons a year in 1850 to 35 billion tons a year now.
More Carbon Dioxide Current Events and Carbon Dioxide News Articles
The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome

The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome
by Jennifer Stark and Russell Stark (Author)

Learn why changing your breathing can improve your health and well-being through the Butekyo Method. This method will help those with sleep disorders, panic attacks, allergies, hypertension and asthma.

CarboLime Carbon Dioxide Absorbent - Bag, 3 lb. (1.36 kg) - 12 Per Case - Model GMC55010006

CarboLime Carbon Dioxide Absorbent - Bag, 3 lb. (1.36 kg) - 12 Per Case - Model GMC55010006
by MEDLINE INDUSTRIES

CarboLime is a granular solar lime absorbent for the efficient removal of carbon dioxide from closed and semi-closed patient breathing circuits. Contains no potassium hydroxide. Minimum dust levels with the benefits of high surface area and graded particle size. Low bulk density. Low risk of carbon monoxide formation due to good reisistance of dry gas desiccation. Low odor due to reliable control of indicator dye concenntration.

First Alert CO400 Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm

First Alert CO400 Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm
by First Alert

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, yet many people don't know they are suffering from CO poisoning until its too late. Since symptoms of CO poisoning are like the flu, you might not even know you're in danger at first. That's why a carbon monoxide alarm is an excellent way to protect your family. It can detect the CO you can't see, smell or taste in the air.

The First Alert CO400 carbon monoxide alarm uses an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor-the most accurate technology available. The permanent sensor lasts up to five years. It is powered by two AA replaceable alkaline batteries giving you peace of mind even during power outages. The test/silence button both silences the alarm and allows you to test its functionality. The unit...

Double Gauge Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Regulator

Double Gauge Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Regulator
by Learn To Brew

This is a durable, double gauge carbon dioxide pressure regulator to be used with carbon dioxide tanks. The non-adjustable shut-down safety is built into the body of the regulator where it cannot be removed or easily circumvented. In event of a failure of the regulator seat this safety will respond instantly, isolating the product container from potentially dangerous high pressure. The product container pressure level will not exceed the factory set blow-off of 55 - 65 PSIG. All regulators are pressure tested to assure in-field reliability. Each regulator comes with instructions for proper installation and use procedures Features: * Easy To Read Indicators * Dual Gauge to Show Tank Pressure * Easy To Adjust * Durable

Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion?

Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion?
Also With: CO2Science (Producer)

Al Gore calls the host of negative consequences he predicts will accompany the on-going rise in the air's CO2 concentration "a planetary emergency - a crisis that threatens the survival of our civilization and the habitability of the earth." James Hansen similarly claims that the earth "is close to dangerous climate change, to tipping points of the system with the potential for irreversible deleterious effects," and he contends that "ignoring the climate problem at this time, for even another decade, would serve to lock in future catastrophic climatic change." Do these dire contentions reflect reality? Or do they portray but a marvelously-crafted and hugely-effective illusion? Carbon Dioxide and the Climate Crisis: Reality or Illusion? explores this perplexing problem through an...

First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm - SC01CN3

First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm - SC01CN3
by First Alert

First Alert SCO1CN3 smoke and carbon monoxide detector uses ionization method of smoke detection. It features a test button and a silence button that temporarily quiets both the carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. When battery is low, the warning "chirp" and light flashes. The alarm makes different horn sounds and light flash patterns for carbon monoxide and smoke.

Fire Extinguisher Carbon Dioxide 5 Lb.

Fire Extinguisher Carbon Dioxide 5 Lb.
by Global Industrial

KIDDE CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHER Effective for Class B and C fires. Environmentally safe, Co2 gas dissipates quickly leaving no residue and won't contaminate food, valuable materials or electronics. Seamless aluminum cylinder has a durable epoxy paint finish. Long-lasting nickelchrome plated brass valve with stainless steel handle and lever. Includes a heavy-duty wall hanger. 5 year warranty. Non-Returnable. 5 pounds UL Rating: 5B:C

Kidde 900-0107 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Kidde 900-0107 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm
by Kidde Safety

110V Non-Digital AC Carbon Monoxide Alarm With Direct Plug Alarm Only 85 Decibel Alarm Test Reset Button To Reset Alarm Advanced Electrochemical Sensor 5 Year Warranty UL Listed To 2,034 Standard Clam Shell

  Carbon Dioxide Incubator Accessories for Isotemp/Thermo Scientific NAPCO Models; Roller Base
by Thermo Scientific Forma

Roller Base, Incubator Accessory; For Isotemp DH and NAPCO 8000 Series DH CO2 Incubators; with locking casters and leveling feet

  Carbon Dioxide
Maoi (Primary Contributor)



© 2009 BrightSurf.com