The fifth of the oceans significantly darkened the past two decades. It threatens the life of the sea, which depends on the sun.
The fifth of the oceans has become darker over the past 20 years, leading to a reduction in the so -called phototic zone – the upper layer of water, where there is sufficient light for fotosynthesis. This is stated in a study published in the Global Change Biology magazine, reports The Guardian.
Most sea organisms are concentrated in the illuminated ocean layers – up to 200 meters of depth. Here, the microscopic algae – Phytoplankton – plays a major role in the production of oxygen and the development of food chains. Lighting reduction makes living creatures closer, narrowing the space of their existence.
“Sea organisms use light for almost everyone: for hunting, reproduction, synchronization of reproductive cycles. Lights are the key to their biology. But with lowering light they need to rise closer to the surface, the space becomes lower, so literally compressing the upper layers of water,” explained biologist Thomas Davis.
Using satellite data, researchers found: more than two decades, the phototic zone was reduced by 50 meters to 9% of the ocean and by 100 meters by 2.6%. The total dark place is 75 million square square – it is as combined with Europe, Africa, China and North America.
Scientists believe that global warming and changes in ocean waves have led to it.
Professor Oliver Tselinski from the Libnytic Baltic Institute of the Baltic Sea called these changes that are anxious:
“Such changes may violate the food chains in the sea, change the residence of the species and weaken the ability of the ocean to maintain biodiversity and adjust the climate. The coastal coasts closest to human activity is increasingly vulnerable.
Earlier it was reported that sea surface temperature since 2019 has grown 4.5 times faster than the late 1980s.
Coral reefs are at risk
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.