Windblown dust from continents is a key driver behind a third of phytoplankton growth in the Southern Ocean, according to new Australian research.
The study, published on Thursday, was conducted by a collaborative team from the Australian Research Council, the Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, and the University of Tasmania.
Phytoplankton are microscopic marine plants that play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, making them vital for mitigating climate change. The influx of dust into the ocean provides essential nutrients that fuel their growth, enhancing the ocean's capacity to store carbon.
This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of land and marine ecosystems and underscores the importance of understanding natural processes in tackling global carbon emissions.
Reference(s):
Windblown dust vital for Southern Ocean carbon storage: study
cgtn.com
