Southern Ocean Carbon Anomaly: Defying Climate Models

Recent findings show the Southern Ocean absorbed more CO2 than climate models predicted, acting as a temporary buffer due to freshwater-driven stratification. This resilience, however, might be temporary, with potential implications for future climate change.

• Southern Ocean absorbs more CO2 than climate models projected.
• Increased surface stratification, from freshwater, traps deep carbon.
• This 'lid' prevents carbon-rich waters from releasing CO2.
• Buffering effect is temporary; future carbon release remains a risk.
• Global ocean's CO2 uptake possibly 15% higher due to bubble-mediated transfer.

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