Difference between revisions of "Green Ocean modelling"
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===a tool to understand the interactions between marine ecosystems and climate=== | ===a tool to understand the interactions between marine ecosystems and climate=== | ||
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| + | ==Background== | ||
| + | The Earth’s climate is changing. Indeed warmer temperatures, changes in precipitation, ice cover, river fluxes and atmospheric dust deposition have all been observed in recent decades. In addition, the ocean surface has become more acidic due to the absorption of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). How do these changes impact marine ecosystems? To answer this we need better models capable of capturing the dynamics of marine ecosystems, and adequate and continued ocean observation programmes. | ||
| + | '''Why is ecosystem dynamics so important for interpreting climate change impacts?''' | ||
| + | Firstly, because of the nature of food webs in the ocean. Phytoplankton, the smallest marine organisms, transform energy from the sun into organic tissue. Phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, which are eaten by small fish, and these by bigger fish and so on. Changes in the abundance, type and distribution of phyto- and zoo-plankton result in complex impacts on the distribution and production of fish populations. | ||
| + | Secondly, because marine ecosystems have an influence on the composition of gases in the atmosphere. Indeed, the production and sinking of organic particles in the oceans helps regulate the concentration of the main greenhouse gas, CO2. Without the action of marine ecosystems atmospheric CO2 would be 1.5 times higher than it is today. Any changes in marine ecosystems could have an impact on atmospheric CO2. Marine ecosystems also emit other greenhouse gases and DMS (dimethyl sulfide), which has a cooling effect on climate. | ||
Revision as of 12:00, 3 July 2012
a tool to understand the interactions between marine ecosystems and climate
Background
The Earth’s climate is changing. Indeed warmer temperatures, changes in precipitation, ice cover, river fluxes and atmospheric dust deposition have all been observed in recent decades. In addition, the ocean surface has become more acidic due to the absorption of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). How do these changes impact marine ecosystems? To answer this we need better models capable of capturing the dynamics of marine ecosystems, and adequate and continued ocean observation programmes. Why is ecosystem dynamics so important for interpreting climate change impacts? Firstly, because of the nature of food webs in the ocean. Phytoplankton, the smallest marine organisms, transform energy from the sun into organic tissue. Phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, which are eaten by small fish, and these by bigger fish and so on. Changes in the abundance, type and distribution of phyto- and zoo-plankton result in complex impacts on the distribution and production of fish populations. Secondly, because marine ecosystems have an influence on the composition of gases in the atmosphere. Indeed, the production and sinking of organic particles in the oceans helps regulate the concentration of the main greenhouse gas, CO2. Without the action of marine ecosystems atmospheric CO2 would be 1.5 times higher than it is today. Any changes in marine ecosystems could have an impact on atmospheric CO2. Marine ecosystems also emit other greenhouse gases and DMS (dimethyl sulfide), which has a cooling effect on climate.
