Context: A new study published in Nature reveals that climate change has caused a change in the colour of 56 per cent of the world’s oceans.
About :
- The study has found that 56% of the global ocean — a territory larger than the total land area on Earth — experienced color change between 2002 and 2022.
- Tropical ocean regions near the Equator seem to have become greener over time. The southern Indian Ocean, in particular, has seen a significant colour change.
What does green color in oceans indicate?
- Green-coloured water indicates life, especially phytoplankton, which are microscopic plant-like organisms. Blue, in contrast, indicates little life.
- The colour also determines the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean. Currently, oceans absorb 25% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Why are Tropical oceans turning green in colour?
Researchers said that more work would be needed to find out what exactly those colour changes might mean. But they have said climate change was very likely to be the cause.
What is the impact of Climate Change on oceans?
- Ocean warming: Climate change leads to increased ocean temperatures, affecting marine ecosystems and disrupting marine life.
- Sea-level rise: Melting glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and habitats.
- Ocean acidification: Increased carbon dioxide absorption by the oceans leads to acidification, impacting coral reefs, shellfish, and other marine organisms.
- Altered marine habitats: Changing temperatures and currents affect the distribution and abundance of species, leading to shifts in marine habitats and ecosystems.
FAQs Related With Changing colour of Oceans
Ques 1: Why do the colors of the oceans change?
Answer: The color of the oceans can change due to various factors such as the presence of phytoplankton, suspended particles, dissolved organic matter, and the angle of sunlight.
Ques 2: What causes the blue color of the oceans?
Answer: The blue color of the oceans is primarily a result of the selective absorption and scattering of sunlight by water molecules. Longer wavelengths, such as red and orange, are absorbed more, while shorter blue wavelengths are scattered and reflected, giving the water its blue appearance.
Ques 3: Are there other factors that can affect the color of the oceans?
Answer: Yes, other factors like the presence of algae blooms or pollution can alter the color of the oceans. Algae blooms can create greenish or reddish hues, while pollutants may introduce discoloration or turbidity to the water.
Changing colour of Oceans on Earth,Changing colour of Oceans on Earth
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