Ocean heat content

The heat content of the oceans (English Ocean heat content ( OHC ) ) in the sea or parts thereof ( eg oceans ) stored thermal energy ( heat ) is called. Water has a higher heat capacity than air, therefore, the heat content of the oceans, is higher than in the atmosphere. The atmosphere containing only about 2% of the total heat capacity of the soil. The oceanography and climatology are specialties which specifically explore the ocean thermal. The Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC notes with high probability that 90 % of the additional energy accumulation was saved by the global warming from 1971 to 2010 in the ocean. Because of the thermal expansion of water, the heat content of the oceans also contributes significantly to sea level rise.

Definition

The surface-related heat content of a ranging h1 h2 to water layer can be on at a known temperature profile

Determine and has the unit J/m2.

- Waterproof, - specific heat capacity, h2 - depth below, h1 - Depth, - temperature profile.

Measurement techniques

In determining the heat content of the ocean is often historical reasons between the first 700 m of the water surface and the underlying water masses of the deep sea, distinguished. For this purpose, the water temperature is measured using various methods, often with a Nansen bottle. To determine specifically the temperature of the deep sea has been around since 2007, the ARGO project, are regularly recorded in the 3000 " floats " ( floats ), the deep dive at distances up to 2000 meters salinity and temperature. The data obtained are of particular interest to climate scientists, are investigating the anthropogenic climate change. Evaluations of the data of the ARGO project show that surface winds warm water of the surface spread vertically.

Research

Several studies have shown a warming of the deep sea as measured in the past few years and make sure global warming is responsible. Model studies have shown that during La Niña years by shifting winds warmer water masses about ocean currents into the deeper layers of the sea are increasingly being transported. This leads to greater heat absorption of deep and less heat absorption of the atmosphere and temperature of the surface of the sea. Years with increase in temperature in deeper waters are associated with a negative phase of the interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO). During the El Niño years of the ENSO circulation ocean currents carry significantly less water masses in the deep sea, thus the temperatures of the water at the sea surface and the atmospheric ground layer above the sea surface to rise more.

Energy

The heat content of the oceans, also known as ocean thermal energy is explored as a form of renewable energy since 1881, and there are successful experimental facilities.