Oceans going greener! The greener hue, a consequence of climate breakdown on oceans
The color of Earth’s oceans is undergoing a significant transformation due to climate breakdown, according to recent research. The Oceans going greener study suggests that the deep blue hue of the sea is gradually shifting towards a greener shade over time, with areas near the equator experiencing notable changes.
Published in the journal Nature, the study, led by BB Cael from the National Oceanography Centre at the University of Southampton, emphasizes that the altered color reflects the ecosystem's changing state. Previous research focused on monitoring changes in ocean greenness by analyzing chlorophyll levels in plankton, providing insights into the effects of climate change. However, Cael’s team utilized data from NASA’s Modis-Aqua satellite, which captures a broader color spectrum, including red and blue, to study patterns of color change in the oceans. The scattering and absorption of light by plankton of different sizes and pigments contribute to these color variations.
By examining the color changes, scientists better understand shifts in plankton populations worldwide. Phytoplankton, as the foundation of many marine food chains, plays a crucial role In ocean ecosystems. Cael notes that the color changes are significantly evident in nearly 56% of the world’s oceans, covering a larger area than all landmasses combined.
Cael highlights a noticeable “greening effect” in many regions. However, there are also instances where blue or red hues diminish or intensify. While these changes may not be drastic or ecosystem-destroying, they provide additional evidence that human activities are likely influencing substantial portions of the global biosphere in ways that are not yet fully comprehended.
Michael J Behrenfeld, an ocean productivity researcher at Oregon State University, acknowledges the study’s extensive documentation of the consequences of climate change. However, the exact causes and magnitudes of these changes within the ocean remain unclear.
Understanding these trends' ecological and biogeochemical implications requires answering several questions about the underlying factors contributing to the observed color shifts. NASA’s upcoming satellite mission, Pace (plankton, aerosol, cloud, ocean ecosystem), set to launch in January 204, will measure hundreds of colors in the ocean. This mission aims to provide more meaningful insights into the ecological implications of these changes.