Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda is warmer and more acidic than ever, 40 years of observation show

Pirchner, D., & Pirchner, D. (2023, December 8). Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda is warmer and more acidic than ever, 40 years of observation show – Frontiers | Science news. Frontiers Science News. https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2023/12/08/atlantic-ocean-bermuda-warmer-acidic-40-years

 

The Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) reveals that the North Atlantic Ocean around Bermuda has changed significantly during the last 40 years. Researchers from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences conducted the study, which found that the ocean has warmed by about 1°C, increased salinity at the surface, lost 6% of accessible oxygen for aquatic life, and become 30% more acidic since the 1980s. These changes are due to anthropogenic CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. The findings emphasize the importance of long-term data collecting, providing insights into the rate and character of oceanic changes, serving as crucial indicators for future shifts, and underlining the environmental difficulties that society will face in the near future.

This article is directly related to environmental science since it throws light on the tremendous changes taking place in the North Atlantic Ocean, highlighting the interconnected concerns of ocean warming, salinization, oxygen depletion, and acidification. The data gathered over four decades is an important tool for forecasting future changes and comprehending the complex relationships between environmental elements. In my opinion, this study emphasizes the importance of tackling climate change and its effects on ocean ecosystems. The observed changes in ocean conditions show the importance of collaborative efforts to reduce anthropogenic influences and conserve marine habitats, underlining the critical significance of long-term monitoring in creating informed environmental policies and practices.

One thought on “Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda is warmer and more acidic than ever, 40 years of observation show

  1. Anya- this is a well written abstract, but I am particularly impressed with your follow up commentary. Indeed it is a multifaceted issue… and one that seems to be accelerating, unfortunately. You can imagine how difficult it is to create models predicting the changes. Did the article say anything about the data will be used… any action plans?

    I hope you learned a lot about the ocean following this topic this year. Thanks for all the good reporting.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *