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Recent acceleration in global ocean heat accumulation by mode and intermediate waters
Zhi Li1,2,3, Matthew H England4,5, Sjoerd Groeskamp6
1Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. zhi.li4@unsw.edu.au.
Nature Communications
|October 29, 2023
Summary
Ocean heat uptake has accelerated significantly, with global mode and intermediate waters absorbing most of the excess heat. Regional waters disproportionately contribute to this warming, impacting sea-level rise and climate.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Climate Science
- Earth System Science
Background:
- The ocean absorbs over 90% of anthropogenic heat, moderating global warming.
- Understanding the distribution of ocean heat uptake across basins and water masses is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution and acceleration of ocean heat uptake.
- To identify key water masses responsible for heat absorption.
- To assess the implications for sea-level rise and climate impacts.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical and recent oceanographic observations.
- Decomposition of ocean heat uptake by water mass layers and regions.
- Accounting for volumetric changes in water masses due to warming and freshening.
Main Results:
- Ocean heat uptake has nearly doubled from 1990-2000 to 2010-2020.
- Global mode and intermediate water layers account for 89% of heat uptake (2005-2020).
- Regional mode and intermediate waters show disproportionately high heat uptake relative to their volume.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated ocean warming is primarily driven by changes in global mode and intermediate waters.
- Regional water masses play a critical role in total heat uptake.
- Findings have significant implications for predicting future ocean warming, sea-level rise, and climate change impacts.
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