Climate Change Could Be Taking the Ocean’s Breath Away

The Labrador Sea, known as the ocean's lung, plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing oxygen to deep-sea life in the Atlantic Ocean. This process is driven by density-driven circulation, where cold, salty water sinks, carrying oxygen absorbed from the atmosphere. Climate change, particularly the melting of the Greenland ice sheet, threatens this circulation by altering seawater salinity. Additionally, ocean currents help absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating global warming. However, changes in these systems could reduce the ocean's ability to sequester carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change.

What is the primary role of the Labrador Sea in the Atlantic Ocean?

• It regulates the temperature of the ocean.

• It provides oxygen for deep-sea life.

• It acts as a barrier between Canada and Greenland.

• It is a major source of marine biodiversity.

How does the Gulf Stream contribute to the oxygenation of the deep ocean?

• By cooling and sinking in the Labrador Sea.

• By increasing the salinity of the ocean.

• By warming the ocean surface.

• By evaporating water from the ocean surface.

What happens to the Gulf Stream water when it reaches the Labrador Sea?

• It flows back to the equator.

• It cools, becomes denser, and sinks.

• It becomes less salty and rises.

• It evaporates into the atmosphere.

What is a potential consequence of the Greenland ice sheet melting?

• Increased salinity in the Labrador Sea.

• More freshwater fish in the Labrador Sea.

• Reduced salinity affecting water density.

• Enhanced oxygen distribution in the ocean.

How might climate change affect the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide?

• By increasing the ocean's temperature.

• By reducing the ocean's salinity.

• By weakening density-driven circulation.

• By increasing the ocean's surface area.