2024/02/22
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The oceans play a major role in climate mitigation and are fundamental to the functioning of the Earth. Understanding more about how ocean temperatures are rising, how the oceans absorb excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and cascading problems such as ocean acidification will help us understand climate change. and is the key to taking effective action.
Recent scientific papers highlight how satellites are becoming increasingly important in providing unique information about ocean health to guide climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The ocean absorbs about 90% of the excess heat in the atmosphere caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities and captures almost 30% of the carbon dioxide we emit into the atmosphere. Masu.
While this sounds like a good thing in light of the climate crisis, in many places these processes are leading to a decrease in the pH of seawater, a phenomenon known as ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification has a negative impact on coral reefs
Rising sea surface temperatures may also change ocean circulation and weather patterns.
Both issues not only affect the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, but ultimately lead to cascading effects that can be felt around the world.
As the oceans continue to warm and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, improving our ability to monitor ocean carbonate chemistry is a priority.
Satellites return vital information from the vantage point of space, providing a unique opportunity to study how greenhouse gas emissions and climate warming are impacting the health of our vast oceans.
Papers recently published in magazines earth science reviews It highlights how ESA has supported a range of research projects that have helped move the use of satellite data from ocean carbon research to a fundamental element of annual carbon assessments to guide policy. Masu.
This paper shows how research funded through ESA’s Earth Observation Science for Society activity has contributed to major leaps in knowledge about the world’s oceans over the past 16 years.
Increased global ocean acidification
“The progress we have made in our ability to understand and monitor ocean carbon is incredible, but we are really only beginning to scratch the surface,” said Jamie Shutler of the University of Exeter in the UK and lead author of the paper. Ta. Icebergs that can actually be seen from space.
“This paper outlines what more can be done with existing satellites and how data from missions that have been out of service for a long time can be used. This is really exciting. .”
“For example, the new ‘ocean pH stripes’ from a current ESA project visualize changes in ocean acidification built from observations over the past 40 years. And this visualization was used at the recent COP28 climate conference to highlight the plight of the oceans and declining ocean pH caused by greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. ”
Streaks of global ocean acidification
ESA marine scientist Roberto Sabia said: “Space-based salinity, temperature, wind speed and ocean color data will be used to characterize spatial and temporal variations in ocean carbon sinks and associated ocean acidification. We are excited to be able to tap into this potential.”
“Over the past few years, emphasis has been placed on improving algorithms related to variables in marine carbonate systems. We are currently working on the analysis of simultaneous events such as ocean heatwaves and deoxygenation, and on the largest collection of these datasets. There is greater emphasis on the involvement of marine conservation stakeholders in the utilization of resources.”
ESA’s Craig Donlon said: “Indeed, we began research and development in 2008 with SOLAS, the International Surface Ocean and Lower Atmosphere Study, and now have data products that guide greenhouse gas emissions reduction policies. I’m getting it.
“The value of data from traditional missions such as ESA’s Envisat, data from current missions such as the Soil Monture and Ocean Salinity satellites, and data from the Copernicus Sentinel series cannot be underestimated. It will also lay the foundation for future missions such as the Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer, CIMR, and satellites, helping to take our ocean knowledge to the next level.
Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer Mission
“We are currently developing the CIMR for Copernicus, the Earth observation component of the European Union space program.
“This new mission promises to be a game changer, using the high radial fidelity, multi-polarization, high spatial resolution and multi-frequency imaging capabilities of this class of instrument to study the surface ocean and polar regions. There is an urgent need to do so.
“In the next few years, CIMR-A, and in about six years, CIMR-B, will remain in orbit for at least 15 years to support climate action at a time when the global oceans and polar regions are undergoing major changes. It will provide a unique measurement.”
