( r to move from the South Atlantic to th...)Salty oceans provide early warning for climate change

r to move from the South Atlantic to the North Atlantic). Instead the scientists think that energy is transferred through the ocean along a deep pressure wave. “The surge of salt generates a pressure gradient in the ocean that sends energy to the north without water actually being transported,” explains Zahn.

Regardless of whether ocean circulation speeds up or slows down it causes significant climate change, altering the hydrological cycle and affecting atmospheric circulation patterns too.

Currently there is no large-scale salt monitoring system in place in the southern hemisphere oceans. Zahn thinks that regular measurements taken in the waters around South Africa and New Zealand could be useful. “It could act as an early warning system for climate changes 10-20 years down the road,” he says.
'"/>

Source:European Science Foundation

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Anammox bacteria produce nitrogen gas in oceans snackbar
2. Scientists discover global pattern of big fish diversity in open oceans
3. Climate change will affect carbon sequestration in oceans, model shows
4. Understanding the oceans microbes is key to the Earths future
5. Creating a window on oceans in motion
6. How ancient whales lost their legs, got sleek and conquered the oceans
7. A new look at the state of the oceans
8. Bacterial switch gene regulates how oceans emit sulfur into atmosphere
9. Coral reefs are increasingly vulnerable to angry oceans
10. Climate experts search for answers in the oceans
11. Hundreds of thousands of viral species present in the worlds oceans