Scientists are puzzled. More than half of the world’s oceans are getting greener, but why? Is it climate change? A U.S. and UK team found this out. They looked at the last 20 years of data.
Lead researcher B.B. Cael says this is a big deal. It shows changes in sea life, not just color.
Many factors can change ocean color. One is nutrients feeding green plants in the water. This makes it hard to tell if climate change is involved.
Researchers think warm waters might be a factor. But it could take 40 years to know for sure.
They used 20 years of satellite images for the study. Most changes happened near the equator.
They also used a climate model. It matched what they saw in the oceans. But Cael says warm water is likely not the cause.
He thinks maybe it’s how nutrients move in the water. This could favor small plants and change the color.
Yet, Cael says we can’t be sure why the color is changing. But it could be another sign that human actions are affecting nature.
The study of ocean color isn’t new. For years, scientists have observed changes. They used boats and satellites for data.
Earlier studies focused on small areas. This is the first to look at the whole ocean.
The color of oceans has been a point of curiosity. In literature and art, it ranges from blue to green.
Oceans cover 71% of the Earth. They are crucial for weather, transport, and biodiversity.
Phytoplankton, tiny plants in the water, affect color. They also produce oxygen and serve as food for marine life.
Climate change already impacts oceans. It causes rising sea levels and coral bleaching.
Before this study, scientists linked ocean color to climate. But the data was not conclusive.