Oceanographers Uncover Source of Mysterious Glow in Southern Ocean

What's Happening?

Oceanographers have identified the source of a mysterious turquoise glow in the Southern Ocean, previously spotted in satellite images. The glow is caused by high concentrations of diatoms, which are dense enough to produce a reflective effect similar to coccolithophores. These findings challenge previous assumptions that the glow was due to coccolithophores, which are typically found in warmer waters. The research, conducted aboard the vessel Roger Revelle, involved measuring ocean color, calcification rate, and inorganic carbon concentrations.

Why It's Important?

This discovery has implications for understanding the global carbon cycle and the role of microorganisms in carbon sequestration. Diatoms and coccolithophores are crucial for marine food chains and carbon absorption. The findings suggest that satellite measurements of particulate organic carbon may need to be revised, impacting climate models and predictions. Understanding these processes is vital for assessing the ocean's ability to mitigate climate change.

What's Next?

Researchers may need to adjust satellite algorithms used to estimate oceanic carbon concentrations. Further studies could explore the distribution and impact of diatoms in other cold-water regions. This research may lead to improved climate models and a better understanding of the ocean's role in global carbon dynamics.