Something is happening with oceans. They are getting darker. 'A real reason to worry'

The sun reaches smaller depths of the oceans

21 percent Oceans became darker in 2003-2022. Darking of the oceans is a process in which the depth that the light reaches in the upper layers of the ocean decreases. In 9 percent Oceans Light reaches up to 50 meters less than two more decades ago. In 2.6 percent This level dropped by 100 meters. Sunlight can even reach kilometer Under water, but practice below 200 meters is not much. Darking of the oceans means that The zone is decreasingin which life dependent on the light can develop and in which 90 percent live. sea ​​species. Scientists from the University of Plymouth, who are responsible for the study, based them on satellite data and numerical modeling.

What will the effects of darkening the oceans be?

It is not known how accurate and will be the consequences of obscuring the oceans, but researchers say that a large group of sea species and ecosystem may feel them. Professor Tim Smyth, head of the Department of Biogeochemistry Sciences and observation at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, said that as a result of these change Some sea animals that need light can now swim closer to the surface. Warned that it would lead to increased competition for food and other resources. – It can cause fundamental changes In the entire sea ecosystem – he said. Darking of oceans can also have Impact on air qualitywhich people breathe, on the fish we eat and to the world's ability to fight climate change. In the upper lane of water, where the light reaches, because there is a phytoplankton, which generates almost half of the oxygen on the planet. – Our discoveries are a real reason to worry – says Dr. Thomas Davies.

Why are the oceans darken?

The reasons for darkening the oceans may be associated with a change in algae flowering dynamics, with a change of water surface temperature and artificial lighting. – There are studies showing that the ocean surface has changed color over the last 20 years, probably due to changes in plankton communities. However, our results provide evidence that such changes cause widespreadwhich reduces the volume of the ocean available to animals that rely on the sun and the moon in order to survive and reproduce – says Dr. Thomas Davies, environmental protection at the University of Plymouth.

Read also: Scientists: The worst fading of corals in history is underway. “It completely changes the face of the planet”

Sources: The Guardian, BBC