University of Tasmania
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Ocean Fronts

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posted on 2025-01-31, 04:18 authored by Amelie MeyerAmelie Meyer, Chris Aiken, Kai Yang, Laure Poncet

From ancient Norsemen to modern-day fisher communities, the importance of ocean fronts has long been recognised. Ocean fronts act as hotspots for marine biodiversity, attracting fishes and various other marine animals, making them significant areas for fisheries. Additionally, ocean fronts play an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate by influencing the exchange of heat and carbon dioxide (CO2) between the ocean and the atmosphere. As the oceans get warmer with climate change, the location, number and intensity of ocean fronts may change. This could have far-reaching implications for the climate system, marine ecosystems and global fisheries. Here we take a closer look at the importance of ocean fronts and the potential implications of future changes in frontal activity.

 

Ocean fronts separate water masses of different physical and biogeochemical properties. Ocean fronts are hotspots for marine biodiversity and play an important role in the climate system, influencing the exchanges of CO2 and heat between the ocean and the atmosphere. Climate change is impacting ocean fronts with far reaching consequences for ecosystems and fisheries.

Funding

Commissioned by: ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes

ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes : Australian Research Council | CE170100023

History

Publication title

CLEX Briefing Note

Confidential

  • No

Commissioning body

ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes

Department/School

Oceans and Cryosphere

Publisher

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes

Publication status

  • Published

Rights statement

Copyright 2025 The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes

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