Carbon retention is impacted by deep ocean wave turbulence

A study by the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that the ocean's capacity to retain carbon can be disrupted by enormous waves that occur underwater. These waves result in turbulence within the ocean, which affects the circulation of heat and carbon. Even though these waves were previously acknowledged, their impact on climate change was not examined until now. The circulation mechanism of the ocean transfers warm water from the tropics to the colder North Atlantic, where it goes down and moves back to the south through the deep ocean, transporting carbon for a prolonged time. However, the ocean's interior is always evolving and active.

Taking a photograph of the ocean's interior would reveal a multitude of intricate dynamics. The area beneath the water's surface comprises jets, currents, and waves, with waves in the deep ocean that can reach up to 500 meters tall before crashing, much like beach waves. The turbulence caused by these large waves in the deep ocean affects the distribution of heat and carbon by stirring up the different layers of the ocean, and scientists recommend incorporating these consequences of climate models.

The researchers note that climate models take into consideration turbulence, but primarily regarding its impact on ocean circulation. Nonetheless, turbulence is crucial in its own right and plays a significant role in the absorption and storage of heat and carbon in the ocean, along with where they get stored. Many climate models have a simplistic portrayal of microscale turbulence, but research highlights its importance, and it should be given more attention. Turbulence influences the amount of human-caused heat that reaches the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the duration required for it to do so via its impact on ocean circulation.

The researchers assert that this study emphasizes the need for a meticulous portrayal of turbulence-induced vertical mixing in the Atlantic Ocean in climate models. Accordingly, they urge for the deployment of turbulence sensors to aid scientists in producing more precise forecasts.