Kōrero: Ocean currents and tides

The biological pump

The biological pump

A small but significant proportion of the organic carbon formed by tiny marine plants (phytoplankton), zooplankton, and higher-level consumers does not decompose and settles on the deep ocean floor. This process, referred to as the biological pump, effectively removes carbon from the atmosphere. If the pump were turned off, there would be much higher concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This interaction between the ocean and atmosphere is critical, as greenhouse gases increase and the climate warms.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

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Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

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Te tuhi tohutoro mō tēnei whārangi:

Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, 'Ocean currents and tides - The ocean’s role in climate change', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/mi/diagram/5932/the-biological-pump (accessed 29 March 2024)

He kōrero nā Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, i tāngia i te 12 Jun 2006