Science
Gathering scientific data from one of the world's harshest environments
Overview
The Arctic Ocean is a unique part of the world. It’s the smallest and shallowest ocean on Earth – a body of water almost completely encircled by land with only a few distinct channels to the surrounding seas. This ‘basin’ at the top world is of interest to scientists as a bellwether for climate and environmental change.
For the past three years Catlin Arctic Survey has investigated aspects of these changes – sea ice thickness and ocean acidification. Over the past two years, Catlin Arctic Surveys have investigated aspects of these changes – sea ice thickness in 2009 and ocean acidification in 2010.
Introducing Catlin Arctic Survey 2011 – Thermohaline Circulation
On this third Catlin Arctic Survey, scientists and explorers are researching how changes in the Arctic Ocean might impact thermohaline circulation – a global ocean circulation system that circulates warm and cold water around the globe.
These currents have a major impact on Earth’s climate and weather patterns. They also distribute nutrients, heat and oxygen around other oceans, allowing life to flourish.
Analysis of past climate change events in Earth’s history is helping scientists predict the likelihood of future changes to thermohaline circulation. Paleoclimatologists, modelers and observational scientists are pooling data to better understand the processes contributing to thermohaline circulation and the possible impacts if it were to slow, or even stop.
More field research is crucial to informing these climate models as well as validating historical analysis and satellite observations. Catlin Arctic Survey 2011 will capture as much data as possible on the processes that initiate thermohaline circulation. It will also build on ocean acidification and sea ice thickness data captured in earlier Surveys.
These web pages aim to present highly technical and complex science in an accessible, informative and engaging way while retaining accuracy, balance and neutrality. With this in mind, if you think we could express something better, please email us at info@catlinarcticsurvey.com.
For information about our survey methods, please read the thermohaline circulation web pages.
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