A study by researchers from University Institute of Water Research and the Department of Ecology of the University of Granada It shows that the contribution of dust from the Sahara Desert is capable of increasing the role of the Mediterranean Sea as a CO2 sink.2.
What is a CO sink?2It is an area that is capable of absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and not return it to the cycle again, but that CO2 leaves the atmospheric circulation.
This research, carried out within the project GOALS, shows that the Mediterranean Sea acts as a CO sink2 atmospheric in open ocean areas. It is responsible for removing CO2 of the cycle in these areas, but serves as a source of CO2 on the coasts, where it is capable of generating it. This duality is crucial to understanding the importance of the Mediterranean as a sink and source of CO2.
Based on this discovery, attempts have been made to prove how these ecosystems that serve as sinks and sources of CO2 would respond to increases in dust intrusions from the Sahara and to ultraviolet radiation. The importance of testing the response of these ecosystems to these variables lies in the fact that they are the most important factors of global change affecting the Mediterranean region.
The results of experiments that have been carried out in situ They show the capacity that algae have to be able to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and therefore act as a sink. The author of this report, Marco Jabalera Cabrerizo, works in the Department of Ecology at the University of Granada.
The researcher has highlighted that during the last decades, the intrusions of Saharan dust together with the increase in exposure to ultraviolet rays can accentuate The role of the Mediterranean Sea as a regulator of CO2 levels2 in the very near future. This is why the results of these studies are very relevant when placed in the context of current climate change, as they can tell us whether marine ecosystems will behave as CO2 sinks.2 or as sources in the future. In addition, it is necessary to consider how the global warming influences these processes.
The role of Saharan dust in the carbon cycle
Dust from the Sahara Desert, when carried by the wind toward the Mediterranean Sea, can have multiple effects on the marine ecosystem. This dust not only provides essential nutrients such as phosphorus and iron, which are necessary for photosynthesis, but can also alter water chemistry and thus influence the ocean's ability to absorb CO2.2. For a better understanding of how this process works, it is important to know how the Mediterranean climate interacts with these dynamics.
This phenomenon, known as ocean fertilization, can enhance the growth of phytoplankton, which in turn plays a crucial role in carbon capture. Thus, algae use CO2 for its photosynthesis, reducing its concentration in water and increasing its absorption of gas from the atmosphere. It is noteworthy that, in relation to this process, the study on marine ecosystems and their role in climate change It is essential to understand its function.
However, increased dust intrusions can also have negative effects. For example, changes in water acidity can affect the health of marine organisms that depend on the ocean's chemical balance, so it is crucial to study how the The Mediterranean is vulnerable to climate change..
The results of the METAS research
The METAS project research has revealed that the Mediterranean Sea acts in a dual way, being a CO sink2 in the open sea and a source in coastal areas. This discovery is crucial for understanding ecosystem behavior under climate change.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and variation in dust intrusions affect the ability of algae to absorb CO2. During the experiments, it was observed that increased UV radiation decreased the photosynthesis efficiency of some algal species, which could compromise their function as carbon sinks. This highlights the importance of investigating how the Climate change affects these ecosystems.
The impact of climate change in the Mediterranean
Climate change is causing an increase in the temperature of Mediterranean waters, which in turn influences precipitation patterns and the frequency of heat waves. These changes can have significant impacts on marine biology and water chemistry. Furthermore, given the crucial role of the carbon cycle, it is interesting to observe how plants adapt to climate change.
Rising temperatures can also contribute to increased CO2 emissions.2 from the ocean into the atmosphere, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates global warming. Therefore, research in this area is not only important for understanding the dynamics of CO2, but also to predict future climate scenarios. In relation to this topic, the study on the heat island effect is particularly relevant for future projections.
Related research projects
The project Carboocean It is a European initiative that aims to quantify the behavior of CO2 in the oceans over the past 200 years. This project relies on the collection of data on salinity, temperature, and chlorophyll concentration through various research platforms, including research vessels such as the Vell Marí.
The data obtained are crucial to understanding how marine ecosystems can act as sinks or sources of CO2Understanding the carbon balance is vital for making informed decisions about environmental policies and developing climate change mitigation strategies. In this regard, studies are also being conducted on the consequences of climate change in different countries.
Researchers involved in these projects seek to define the role of ecosystems in the carbon cycle and how they can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Research on the climate change and mammals is an area of interest in this context.
Research on the Mediterranean Sea has identified its crucial role as a CO2 sink.2As climate conditions continue to change, it is critical to continue researching and protecting this ecosystem. The absorption of CO2 It is vital to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect marine biodiversity.
Furthermore, it is critical to continue conservation and restoration efforts in coastal areas, as well as to promote sustainable practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. International collaboration is key to addressing these challenges and safeguarding the Mediterranean marine environment and its capacity to act as a carbon sink in the future.
