Atlantic Ocean Warms and Acidifies at an Alarming Rate

The Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda has become warmer, saltier, and more acidic in the past 40 years, according to a new study. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, are based on data collected at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) site, which has been monitoring the ocean's health since 1988.

Warmer

The study found that the surface temperature of the ocean has increased by around 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 1980s. This warming trend is likely due to human-caused climate change, which is causing the Earth's atmosphere to trap more heat.

More Acidic

The ocean has also become more acidic, with acidity levels rising by 30% since the 1980s. This is because the ocean absorbs about a quarter of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. As carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid, which makes the ocean more acidic.

Saltier

The study also found that the ocean has become more saline, with salinity levels rising by 0.2% since the 1980s. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including increased evaporation due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall.

Loss of Oxygen

The ocean has also lost oxygen in the past 40 years. The researchers found that oxygen levels have decreased by 15% since the 1980s. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including warming temperatures, which can reduce the amount of oxygen that can dissolve in water, and increased stratification of the water column, which can prevent oxygen-rich surface water from mixing with deeper, oxygen-poor water.

Impacts on Marine Life

These changes are having a significant impact on marine life. Warmer temperatures can lead to coral bleaching and the spread of diseases. More acidic water can harm shellfish, which can disrupt the food chain. And less oxygen can lead to dead zones, where there is not enough oxygen to support marine life.

Urgent Action Needed

The findings of this study highlight the urgent need to address climate change. If we do not take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the ocean will continue to warm and acidify, with devastating consequences for marine life and the many people who depend on them.

What can you do?

There are many things you can do to help address climate change. You can reduce your own carbon footprint by driving less, using energy-efficient appliances, and eating less meat. You can also support policies that will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Together, we can make a difference and protect the health of our oceans for future generations.