Oceans to turn more BLUE and even GLOW if sea temperatures rise

Scientists say waters will turn brighter and more varied due to changing water temperatures, causing the population phytoplankton in oceans to rise or drop. Phytoplankton are microscopic algae present in the sea, and convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

Oceans with a more green appearance have more phytoplankton present, while bodies of water with less phytoplankton appear bluer.

With populations of phytoplankton set to decrease, oceans are expected to turn into lighter shades of blues.

Meanwhile, temperatures are set to rise in colder nutrient-dense waters in the north and south pole, spurring the growth of phytoplankton and making waters greener.

Lead research author Stephanie Dutkiewicz said: “There will be a noticeable difference in the colour of 50 percent of the ocean by the end of the 21st century.

“It could be potentially quite serious. Different types of phytoplankton absorb light differently, and if climate change shifts one community of phytoplankton to another, that will also change the types of food webs they can support.”

The study, published in the Nature Communications, revealed how the colour in more than half of the world’s oceans will change when global temperatures rise to 3 degrees celsius by 2100.

Ms Dutkiewicz added: “Sunlight will come into the ocean, and anything that’s in the ocean will absorb it, like chlorophyll.

“Other things will absorb or scatter it, like something with a hard shell. So it’s a complicated process, how light is reflected back out of the ocean to give it its colour.”

Scientists say the colour difference will not be visible to the naked eye, but hope to use satellite images to monitor changes in the ocean. 

Under high temperatures, certain types of phytoplankton can undergo a complex chemical reaction causing them to glow bright blue.

A phytoplankton species carrying a molecule called luciferin reacts with oxygen to form light energy formed – bringing about a shimmering glow.

During Britain’s summer heatwave last year, clusters of bioluminescent plankton were seen along the Welsh coast in a spectacular display.

Photographer Tim Bow captured the beautiful display of sparkling blue lights from Aberavon Beach in the town.

At the time, Mr Bow said: “Bioluminescent plankton is randomly popping up at different locations around Wales.

“It’s been spotted at different locations along the South Wales coast in the past week although it’s slightly unpredictable.

“It’s believed that the increased sightings are from the high temperatures we have had over the past few weeks warming the waters around the UK.”

source: express.co.uk