A recent study published in Nature Communications, Earth & Environment has shed light on the deep ocean cooling in the Atlantic, particularly in the Subtropical North Atlantic Ocean. Scientists from the University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), Rosenstiel School, and NOAA AOML have analyzed almost four decades of ocean observations along the Abaco 26.5°N hydrographic line. Their findings reveal a significant cooling and freshening of the deep ocean in this region, indicating a potential shift towards warming in the future.
Human-induced global warming has led to increased ocean heat uptake, with the ocean absorbing a substantial amount of excess heat energy trapped in the Earth’s climate system. This phenomenon has significant implications for day-to-day weather patterns, sea level rise, marine life migration, storm intensity, and long-term climate events such as El Niño and La Niña. Understanding the rate and extent of ocean warming is crucial for predicting future impacts.
The Abaco 26.5°N hydrographic line, located off Abaco Island in the Bahamas, is part of a longstanding international collaboration involving NOAA AOML, the University of Miami MOCHA project, and the UK RAPID program. This hydrographic line, with its extensive observational data, provides valuable insights into the variability and circulation patterns of the deep ocean, particularly the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
Lead author Leah Chomiak emphasizes that while much of the deep Atlantic Ocean has been warming, the eastern coast of the US and Bahamas has experienced significant cooling and freshening over time. The observed changes in deep ocean properties at 26.5°N offer crucial information about the shifting currents within the AMOC system, providing insights into future ocean dynamics.
The study highlights a climatic connection between the Subpolar North Atlantic and the Subtropical regions, demonstrating that changes in the deep ocean take around two decades to propagate from the Subpolar to the Subtropical regions. This interconnection underscores the role of the ocean as a climate memory and early warning system for impending changes.
AMOC, a vital component of the global ocean circulation system, plays a key role in regulating ocean temperatures, weather patterns, sea levels, extreme events, and ecosystem health. Continuous monitoring of AMOC changes is essential for understanding and addressing future climate and societal impacts.
Chomiak’s research indicates that the observed cooling and freshening trends in the Subpolar North Atlantic are expected to transition into warming and salinification in the Subtropical regions in the coming years. This shift could accelerate sea level rise along the Atlantic Coast, underscoring the need for ongoing direct observations to better comprehend oceanic changes and their consequences.
In conclusion, the study’s findings offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of ocean cooling and warming in the Atlantic, highlighting the interconnectedness of different regions and the critical role of AMOC in shaping future climate and environmental conditions.
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