Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Science

Major Southern Hemisphere ocean layer shifts, raising questions about heat and carbon storage

The Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)—a vast layer of fresh water spanning much of the Southern Hemisphere's ocean—has rapidly reversed its long-term trends in salinity and density, according to new research. The AAIW helps store carbon, supply oxygen and drive global ocean currents.

Major Southern Hemisphere ocean layer shifts, raising questions about heat and carbon storage
Image: Phys.org
The Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)—a vast layer of fresh water spanning much of the Southern Hemisphere's ocean—has rapidly reversed its long-term trends in salinity and density, according to new research. The AAIW helps store carbon, supply oxygen and drive global ocean currents.

Originally published at Phys.org

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