Climate change in real time: Incredible animations reveal changing ocean acidity
- Researchers at the University of Exeter have mapped world's oceans's pH
- They used data from sensors carried on satellites to produce the images
- It will allow scientists to monitor how the world's oceans are changing
- The world's seas are becoming more acidic as carbon dioxide levels grow
- Many marine creatures including shellfish will struggle as oceans acidify
Satellite images are being used to monitor how ocean acidification is changing the world's seas.
For the first time, scientists have been able to obtain a global picture of how rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are affecting the oceans.
Using thermal cameras and microwave sensors mounted on satellites orbiting 435 miles above Earth, the experts said it's possible to assess which areas of the ocean are most at risk of acidification.
Scientists have used satellite data to map the alkalinity of the world's oceans for the first time. The image above shows the average level of alkalinity over the past five years with blue marking water that is more acidic. By using satellite data, scientists can obtain live information as the ocean changes
As the acidity of seawater rises, it can change the chemistry of the oceans and is expected to have a profound affect on marine animals.
Shellfish will struggle to find enough of the minerals they use to make their shells while the fish that feed on them will also suffer.
Dr Jamie Shutler, an ocean scientist at the University of Exeter, said: 'It can be both difficult and expensive to take year-round direct measurements in such inaccessible locations.
'We are pioneering these techniques so we can monitor large areas of the Earth’s oceans allowing us to quickly and easily identify those areas most at risk from the increasing acidification.'
Currently scientists have to rely on measurements taken by instruments left in the oceans and research vessels around the world to build up a picture of ocean acidification.
By using satellite data, scientists can instead obtain live information as the ocean changes rather than snapshots in time.
In a paper for the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters, the researchers explained they could combine data from a number of satellites to watch how rising carbon dioxide levels affect the oceans.
They are using the European's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity sensor (SMOS), which was launched in 2009, and Nasa's Aquarius satellite that launched in 2011.
It is estimated that around a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean.
A recent study by the European Union found that ocean acidification is already having a profound impact on herring in the Baltic Sea, for example.
The experts are using the European's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity sensor (SMOS), which was launched in 2009, and Nasa's Aquarius satellite that launched in 2011. Coral reefs like the one off the coast of Bali (pictured) are expected to suffer as ocean acidification makes it harder for them to form
Currently scientists have to rely on measurements taken by instruments left in the oceans and research vessels around the world to build up a picture of ocean acidification. The researchers combined satellite data with algorithms to calculate acidification in each of the oceans of the world shown above
Lead researcher Dr Peter Land, from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, said the new satellite techniques would allow scientists to monitor vulnerable areas such as the Arctic seas, the Bay of Bengal and the Caribbean simultaneously.
He said: 'In recent years, great advances have been made in the global provision of satellite and in situ data.
'It is now time to evaluate how to make the most of these new data sources to help us monitor ocean acidification, and to establish where satellite data can make the best contribution.'
Most watched News videos
- Terrifying moment driver overtakes van and narrowly avoids crash
- Russian plane spiralling out of control crashes in sea in Crimea
- Queen Camilla greets children after traditional Maundy service
- Camilla hands out gifts at Royal Maundy ceremony on behalf of King
- Starmer and Rayner embrace as they launch election campaign
- Three men seen running out of Beckenham station after knife attack
- British man fighting for Putin posts video from Russia online
- 'Satan took over me': Hamas terrorist confesses of raping woman
- Tourist is filmed napping in his tent on the beach with a crocodile
- Hilarious moment King's Guard shout 'make way' at pigeons in London
- Police carry slingshots to defend themselves against crazed monkeys
- Police tape off Kennington station after 'multiple stabbings'