The study conducted by the University of Cambridge sheds light on the significant role that colossal undersea mountains, known as seamounts, play in influencing deep sea currents and ocean circulation. These seamounts, some towering up to thousands of meters high, create intense turbulence around their slopes that stirs up the ocean, impacting how it stores heat and carbon. This mechanism of ocean mixing has been overlooked in climate models used for policymaking, highlighting a gap in our understanding of the complex workings of the ocean.
The ocean is described as a massive giant conveyor belt, where warm water from the tropics gradually moves towards the poles, cools, and sinks deep into the ocean’s abyss. This process is crucial for transporting heat, carbon, and nutrients through the ocean. However, the return flow of cold, heavy water to the surface is a mystery that scientists have been grappling with for years. The new study reveals how seamounts aid in this circulation by creating turbulence that brings deep water to the surface, completing the ocean’s flow cycle.
Seamounts are not just solitary peaks at the bottom of the ocean; they are dynamic obstacles that influence deep sea currents. As water rushes over their steep slopes, swirling wake vortices are generated, carrying water towards the surface. This turbulent stirring helps in pulling heavy water from the depths to the surface, contributing significantly to ocean mixing. The study estimates that the stirring around seamounts accounts for about a third of ocean mixing globally, with a higher contribution in regions with more seamounts, such as the Pacific Ocean.
The idea that seamounts could be crucial for ocean circulation is not new. Renowned oceanographer Walter Munk proposed in the 1960s that seamounts might act as “the stirring rods of the ocean,” a concept that has been supported by subsequent research. The latest study, however, provides concrete evidence of the global importance of seamount-induced turbulence in ocean mixing. By incorporating this physics into climate models, researchers aim to enhance forecasts of how climate change can affect the ocean’s storage of heat and carbon.
Moving forward, the team plans to further refine their models by integrating the effects of seamounts on ocean circulation. This advancement is crucial for obtaining a realistic representation of how the deep ocean responds to climate change. With a better understanding of the role seamounts play in ocean mixing, scientists are now one step closer to predicting how climate change will impact the ocean’s carbon and heat storage. This research not only provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of ocean circulation but also underscores the urgent need to consider seamounts in climate models for accurate forecasting.
The study on seamount-induced turbulence represents a significant step towards unraveling the mysteries of ocean circulation. By recognizing the vital role that these underwater mountains play in mixing the ocean’s waters, researchers can improve climate models and enhance our understanding of how the ocean responds to environmental changes. As we continue to explore the vast depths of the ocean, seamounts stand out as key players in the intricate dance of ocean currents and climate dynamics.
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