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 role does the Labrador Sea play in marine ecosystems?

How does the density-driven circulation in the Labrador Sea affect oxygen distribution?

What impact does climate change have on the Labrador Sea's ability to provide oxygen?

Explain how the melting of the Greenland ice sheet affects the salinity of the Labrador Sea.

Discuss the potential consequences of weakened ocean currents on marine life.