Prediction is a very difficult thing to make, especially when its about future. The future in which Climate change plays a great role in shaping things and increase its uncertainty.
But unless we are able to predict things better, we may be unable to prepare ourselves appropriately in order to mitigate or even adapt in rapidly changing world.
And when we talk about World, Human is potentially concerned about the Land he lives on. Only Scientists, enthusiasts and nowadays, Explorers think about our deep oceans which composes one-third of the World and proves to be the greatest sink for our Carbons.
Whereas about 13 percent of land is protected globally, a less than 2 percent of entire ocean is protected as a “no-take” reserve. Nevertheless, both the assets: land and water, are susceptible to diversion and exploitation by Humans.
Are the land and water discrete entities of Nature?
Not at all, a change in one is surely reflected by the other. Ocean changes directly impact every aspect of Earth’s present and future human sustainability, thriving on lands.
It may include changes in extreme heat or rainfall events, weather disturbances, destroying Corals, diminishing Biodiversity, crop yields, fishery yields, coastal inundation etc.
Yet we understand so less about our Oceans. Our Ignorance of this giant makes us vulnerable.
Currently, there is dearth of any reliable and consistent ocean observations for more than 90% of world’s oceans.
Without the World Oceans?
Without this vast heat-absorbing resource and its offered services, our dear Planet would simply be inhospitable. The Earth’s average surface temperature in that case could have exceeded 120° F.
This happens as Earth tries to balance heat exchanges, moisture and carbon dioxide with the atmosphere, land and Ocean through wind and ocean currents, gyres etc. driving regional weather patterns and reigning-in Earth’s climate.
Even these oceans provide a buffer to the most acute disturbances those could have resulted from Industrial Revolution emissions or the radiation-disasters. This valuable, life-saving “ecosystem service” has been greatly under-appreciated by humanity.
How are Oceans currently observed?
Satellites, moored and drifting buoys, tide gauges, radar stations, underwater vehicles, sailboards and classic shipboard research missions with teams of scientists aboard are all being used.
But like all good things in the World, they have certain limitations particularly in time and space.
Ocean observing satellites came in around 1978, and ever since yielded a revolutionary new understanding of ocean temperatures, color and height.
However, their expanse is deeply interrupted by ocean’s deep skin and most of the ocean biological and chemical processes occur at great depths, unobservable by satellites.
Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
2021-30 being the make-or-break decade calls for every possible strand of Sustainability being strengthened.
According to Global Ocean Science Report, major disparities do exist in the marine scientific research capacity around the World.
The Decade of Ocean Science will aim to mobilize partnerships and increase investment in priority areas of ocean science as well as improve the scientific knowledge base in regions and groups presently limited through capacity development, especially the Small Island Developing States and the Least Developed Countries.
New Ocean Technologies in the run:
Ocean Twilight Zone (OTZ) project: Under this, a suite of small, economical, autonomous sensors is being developed integrated to a giant demonstration OTZ Observation Network.
This network aims to provide scientists with a comprehensive view of the ocean twilight zone using different technologies in one package, including moored buoys paired with acoustic survey systems, low-cost optical and geochemical sensors.
It will also cater new tracking tags to continuously record the position of major predators or the ones with protection such as sharks and tuna.
It will all be operated using acoustic signals underwater and a satellite link at the surface.
China recently launched its own system of observing Oceans for greater research.
To learn the basics of Ocean Carbon cycling:
When converging various disciplines is a new trend in the world to gather more and more data, in order to update our ability to observe and understand the ocean at greater scale, several technologies are democratizing data, advancing the research and promoting inclusivity.
Various techs like cloud-based storage and computing, edge computing and robotics are contributing their fair share of data. This helps when Images or data collected from sensors or satellites cannot be transmitted in large files i.e. possible analysis of data at the site of its generation.
Geo-engineering in Oceans and its inspiration?
Oceans lack soluble Iron that is required and is known to stimulate Plankton’s growth. An increased phytoplankton growth means increased removal of excess carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, and thus helping to mitigate climate change.
Currently, lack of Iron is known to limit phytoplankton growth in up to one-third of ocean waters worldwide which can now be fertilized with Iron nodules to prosper.
But like any other form of Geo-engineering, it is also controversial and Anthropogenic activities may already be undertaking it as some of the Iron from our world is seeping well within.
The research is underway and might be able to highlight the impacts of this unintended Fertilization.
However, History has reminded us ever again to not indulge in twitching of its processes, for better or for worse.