Air bubbles reshape gas exchange between the ocean and atmosphere

Bubbles generated by breaking waves provide another pathway for air-sea gas exchange additional to the transfer through sea surface. How strongly do air bubbles affect the exchange of gases between the ocean and the atmosphere? A review published in Review of Geophysics, led by Dr Yuanxu Dong from Dr Christa Marandino’s group at GEOMAR in collaboration with international research teams, synthesizes current knowledge of bubble-mediated transfer of carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), and other environmentally relevant gases. Drawing on theory, laboratory experiments, field observations, and models, the study shows that bubbles are particularly important for poorly soluble gases such as O₂. Their contribution to air-sea CO₂ exchange may also be substantial under high wind speeds, but remains poorly constrained. The review highlights the need to better understand bubble dynamics and to more closely integrate laboratory, field, and modelling studies to improve the estimates of air-sea CO₂ flux.

Original paper

https://doi.org/10.1029/2025RG000903

Further reading: Editors’ Vox article accompanying the review

https://doi.org/10.1029/2026EO265028