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

A group of people are standing in a foyer. They are all looking at the camera.
13.09.2023

Researchers from the Helmholtz research field “Earth and Environment” visit GEOMAR

Annual meeting of the topic “Ocean and Cryosphere in Climate Change” in joint research programme provides stage for young scientists

GEOMAR Director Professor Dr. Katja Matthes and Sebastian Unger, German Federal Government Commissioner for the Ocean
12.09.2023

Joining forces for our ocean

Federal Government Commissioner for the Ocean Sebastian Unger and GEOMAR researchers discuss important issues of protection and sustainable use of the ocean

Phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific Ocean, imaged by the MODIS Aqua satellite. Photo: LANCE/EOSDIS Rapid Response Team, NASA
16.08.2023

Assessing controls on ocean productivity – from space

Nature publication describes a novel approach to observe nutrient limitations in the ocean using satellite remote sensing technologies

A drill ship on the open sea
03.08.2023

Past climate warming driven by hydrothermal vents

New study shows volcanism 56 million years ago released more methane than thought

A map of the North Atlantic with colour-coded ocean currents
03.08.2023

Winter storms over Labrador Sea influence Gulf Stream system

New study on Atlantic current variability published