Ocean and Climate

Our climate is determined by the complex interactions between the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere and the geosphere, and it is ultimately the basis of all life on our planet. The ocean is one of the components, especially on long time scales. In addition to natural fluctuations controlled by interactions of the various components and the astronomical boundary conditions, the ever-increasing influence of human activities has been contributing to the changes in the climate system since the end of the 19th century. As a result, the ocean is not only getting warmer, but the seawater is becoming more acidic, loses its oxygen, and the sea level is rising.

GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is making an important contribution to a better understanding of the complex climate system. "Ocean and Climate" is one of the three central research topics at GEOMAR. The research spectrum ranges from natural climate fluctuations in the past to the detailed study of the current ocean system to the modelling of future climate states, which enables the assessment of possible consequences and the evaluation of climate protection and climate adaptation strategies. GEOMAR offers the best conditions for this: Scientists from a wide range of disciplines work together to investigate physical, chemical, biological or geological processes in the ocean in order to achieve a holistic view of the climate system and its changes and interactions with ecosystems.

News about Ocean and Climate

View above and under water, you can see foil domes and a long transparent hose under water
06.12.2024

How do marine food webs respond to increasing alkalinity?

First study shows promising results

Smoking factory chimneys on a seashore
13.11.2024

Turning Point for Fossil CO₂ Emissions Not Yet Reached

Report on the Global Carbon Budget 2024

Eight square pictures in shades of grey, in which the rosette-shaped spread of volcanic ash can be seen step by step from picture to picture
06.11.2024

Volcanic Ash as a Source of Nutrients

How the Hunga Tonga Eruption has affected Ecosystems in the South Pacific

 A multiple water sampler is heaved aboard a research vessel at sunset
04.11.2024

From Africa to Australia: Tracking the Isotopes

Expedition SO308 Investigates Trace Elements and Isotopes in the Indian Ocean

A wave breaks on the sea in stormy weather
30.10.2024

How do Bubbles contribute to Gas Exchange between Air and Sea?

Humboldt Fellow Dr Yuanxu Dong enriches Chemical Oceanography at GEOMAR