Scientists say the Indian Ocean is gradually becoming clearer. This could have a serious impact on ocean current systems that influence the climate of the entire planet.
A research team from the University of Colorado Boulder analyzed the state of the southern Indian Ocean off the west coast of Australia. It is considered one of the saltiest areas of the World Ocean. But studies have shown that salt concentrations are decreasing at an unprecedented rate.
Scientists have linked this trend to climate change. As a result, rising temperatures over the past 60 years have changed wind and ocean current patterns globally. As a result, more and more fresh water flows into the southern Indian Ocean.
The average salinity of sea water is about 3.5%. This is roughly equivalent to one and a half teaspoons of salt in a cup of water. In a large area stretching from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, surface water is less salty. Tropical rains regularly bring large amounts of fresh water to the region, but evaporation remains relatively low.
This area is called the Indo-Pacific freshwater basin. It is part of a giant ocean circulation system that redistributes heat, salt and fresh water across the planet.
A new study has found that global warming has altered winds across the Indian Ocean and tropical Pacific. Because of this, large amounts of water from the Indo-Pacific freshwater basin began to flow into the southern Indian Ocean.
Over the past six decades, the area of salty seawater in this area has decreased by 30%. This is the fastest increase in freshwater supplies in the Southern Hemisphere. Scientists have calculated that its quantity would be enough to supply all US residents for 380 years.
Not only does the salinity change, but so does the density of the water. Such changes could affect climate globally, as well as the health of marine ecosystems, Nature Climate Change reports.
Another study shows record sea level rises off the coast of Africa. It could pose a threat to coastal communities.
