Abstract
The role of our oceans in climate change is more complicated than you might think.
The world’s oceans are truly vast, covering 71% of Earth’s surface and containing 97% of Earth’s water. If we are concerned about factors that affect the global climate, we need to look at the oceans as well.
As with most areas of climate change (that is, a change in the average surface temperature of Earth), the role that oceans play is complex. The main factors involved are ocean-generated compounds (including water vapour) escaping into the atmosphere; carbon dioxide dissolving in sea water; and the role of the oceans as a heat sink.
The world’s oceans are truly vast, covering 71% of Earth’s surface and containing 97% of Earth’s water. If we are concerned about factors that affect the global climate, we need to look at the oceans as well.
As with most areas of climate change (that is, a change in the average surface temperature of Earth), the role that oceans play is complex. The main factors involved are ocean-generated compounds (including water vapour) escaping into the atmosphere; carbon dioxide dissolving in sea water; and the role of the oceans as a heat sink.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 12-15 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Specialist publication | Science in School |
| Publication status | Published - 27 Mar 2017 |
