Scientists explain how surface chlorophyll reached 1,000 metres deep
Scientists have discovered that powerful winter ocean currents in the North Atlantic rapidly transport chlorophyll and organic matter to depths of over 1,000 meters. This process, known as deep convection, explains previously mysterious readings from autonomous underwater robots.
Why it matters
Understanding this mechanism is crucial for accurately modeling carbon storage and the health of deep-ocean ecosystems in the context of climate change.
Scientists have solved the mystery of unusually high concentrations of chlorophyll detected more than 1,000 metres beneath the ocean surface by autonomous underwater robots after years of puzzling. The discovery, which took place between 2014 and 2017 in the North Atlantic, defied existing knowledge, as chlorophyll, produced by microscopic algae that rely on sunlight, is generally found in the upper layers of the ocean.Now, a new study in Science Advances has identified the mechanism behind this phenomenon, reported Phys Org.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in