A new study published in Science sheds light on the Southern Ocean’s significant impact on climate change during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, a period of shifting climate cycles that began around one million years ago. The research, led by Dr. Sophie Hines and Dr. Sidney Hemming from various institutions, challenges existing theories about the origins of this phenomenon.
The study focuses on the deep ocean’s role in carbon storage and its impact on ice age cycles. Climate records spanning 1.2 million years reveal that changes in deep ocean properties played a crucial role in the transition. The team analyzed sediment core samples collected during the International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 361, which showed that shifts in deep ocean temperature, salinity, and mixing histories significantly influenced global climate.
The research suggests that as the Antarctic Ice Sheet expanded, it enhanced the ocean’s capacity to store carbon, leading to lower atmospheric CO2 levels, colder climates, and prolonged ice age cycles. This finding highlights the Southern Ocean’s importance in understanding our planet’s climate history.
As the Southern Ocean continues to warm at an alarming rate, understanding its dynamics is critical. The study underscores the significance of this region in regulating global climate patterns, which could have significant implications for ecosystems and weather systems worldwide.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/1-2-million-year-old-deep-ocean-secrets-rewrite-the-story-of-earths-ice-ages