Ocean Fronts
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 NoteConfidential
- No
Commissioning body
ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate ExtremesDepartment/School
Oceans and CryospherePublisher
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate ExtremesPublication status
- Published