Atmosphere Contents

4. Energy Budgets

The oceans have an impact on atmospheric carbon dioxide

The ocean

Various studies have found evidence in deep-ocean sediments of past long term variations in the Earth's global temperature. These temperature variations are correlated to the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and variations in solar radiation received by the planet as controlled by the Milankovitch cycles. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were 30% lower in glacial periods and the oceans were a major store of carbon dioxide, controlling its movement to and from the atmosphere. The amount of carbon dioxide in the oceans is a function of temperature and it is released from the oceans when global temperatures become warmer and absorbed when temperatures are cooler. The release of carbon dioxide from the oceans is a response to initial changes in global temperatures triggered by changes in received solar radiation by the Earth through the Milankovitch cycles. This adds to global warming by enhancing the greenhouse effect.

What role do the oceans play in global warming?