Zooplankton, the tiny critters that often serve as fish food, are making a huge impact in the battle against climate change according to new studies. These little "unsung heroes" gorge themselves on phytoplankton in the spring, growing fat before diving deep into the Antarctic Ocean. While sinking, they effectively sequester carbon dioxide, preventing it from warming our atmosphere—an astonishing amount comparable to the emissions of 55 million cars!
Dr. Guang Yang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences emphasizes that this process, termed the "seasonal vertical migration pump," transports around 65 million tonnes of carbon to the ocean depths every year. Copepods, a type of zooplankton, play a significant role in this phenomenon, along with krill and salps. Together, they are crucial for the planet's resilience to climate shifts, as they store the carbon for decades.
However, as much as zooplankton contribute to keeping our atmosphere in check, they are likewise facing threats from climate change and overfishing. The warming oceans and emerging weather patterns could diminish their populations, putting the vital carbon storage process at risk. Dr. Angus Atkinson warns that without these marine creatures, CO2 levels could dramatically increase.
This research underlines the importance of zooplankton, suggesting their inclusion in climate models to predict future temperature changes. Studies like these reveal not only the hidden roles of small ocean beings but also the environmental challenges they encounter. The findings were published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography, shedding light on the need for conservation efforts to support these minuscule yet mighty heroes of our oceans.
Dr. Guang Yang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences emphasizes that this process, termed the "seasonal vertical migration pump," transports around 65 million tonnes of carbon to the ocean depths every year. Copepods, a type of zooplankton, play a significant role in this phenomenon, along with krill and salps. Together, they are crucial for the planet's resilience to climate shifts, as they store the carbon for decades.
However, as much as zooplankton contribute to keeping our atmosphere in check, they are likewise facing threats from climate change and overfishing. The warming oceans and emerging weather patterns could diminish their populations, putting the vital carbon storage process at risk. Dr. Angus Atkinson warns that without these marine creatures, CO2 levels could dramatically increase.
This research underlines the importance of zooplankton, suggesting their inclusion in climate models to predict future temperature changes. Studies like these reveal not only the hidden roles of small ocean beings but also the environmental challenges they encounter. The findings were published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography, shedding light on the need for conservation efforts to support these minuscule yet mighty heroes of our oceans.
