Scientists at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) recently published a study about the alarming changes in the North Atlantic Ocean over the past 40 years. There has been a 1°C increase in the surface temperature, an increase in salinity, a decrease in dissolved oxygen, a decline in pH, and over 30% ocean acidification. Since the 80s they have kept track of critical oceanic parameters, all of which have consistently been increasing. The study puts emphasis on the changing chemical environment in the ocean due to anthropogenic CO2 uptake; this can cause a lot of problems in the future. Overall, they show a very clear connection between ocean warming and the chemistry behind it all, as well as the potential future implications.
This is related to environmental science because it talks about the scientific changes in the North Atlantic Ocean over the last 40 years. It discusses important topics like surface warming, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and ocean acidification, all of which are topics that we’ve covered or used in experiments of our own. It discusses the human impact on the ocean’s chemical composition and the ecosystems within. Overall, learning how things within the ocean work together to create some of the changes we’ve been seeing due to climate change and human activity is one of the main focuses of environmental science which makes it very relevant.
Dua, S. (2023, December 8). Over four decades, North Atlantic near Bermuda saw a 6% oxygen decline. North Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda lost 6% oxygen in 40 years. https://interestingengineering.com/science/north-atlantic-bermuda-oxygen-decline
I agree with the text’s assessment that the study conducted by scientists at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) provides valuable insights into the changes occurring in the North Atlantic Ocean. This study contributes to our understanding of the environmental challenge posed by climate change and underscores the urgency of taking action to mitigate its impacts on the oceans. It reinforces the relevance and importance of environmental science in studying and addressing these critical issues.
If you were to propose potential solutions or actions to address the challenges posed by the changing chemistry of the oceans, what approaches or strategies do you think could be effective?