Southern Ocean research targets ocean circulation and carbon absorption

Researchers are utilizing new modeling and autonomous technology to better understand ocean circulation and carbon absorption. A study suggests that even if the North Atlantic Deep Water formation shuts down due to climate change, cross-hemispheric ocean overturning could persist for centuries. This process may be sustained by a gradual deepening of density layers and a rearrangement of ocean stratification, potentially leading to a clockwise overturning circulation in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

To address critical knowledge gaps in the Southern Ocean, the Constraining Ocean Carbon with Optimized Observing (COCO2) project has launched a five-year mission using Saildrone Explorer uncrewed surface vehicles. Led by NOAA, Columbia University, and CSIRO, the fleet will circumnavigate Antarctica to collect data, specifically targeting winter observations that are difficult for traditional ships. The Southern Ocean is vital to the global climate, accounting for approximately 40% of the total carbon dioxide absorbed by the world's oceans.