The recent release of the seventh edition of the EU Copernicus Ocean State Report (OSR) marks a significant milestone in our understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the global ocean. Funded by the European Union and coordinated by Mercator Ocean International, the OSR 7 serves as a flagship report of the EU Copernicus Marine Service, providing a comprehensive overview of the state, variability, and changes in the world's oceans. The report highlights several unprecedented patterns, from alterations in ocean circulation currents to intensifying marine heat waves and unexpected biological production events.
What makes OSR 7 particularly valuable is its incorporation of state-of-the-art scientific findings, drawing from diverse sources such as satellite and in situ observations and advanced computing capabilities enabling powerful 4D ocean forecasts. Among the innovative tools, are high-frequency radars for monitoring coastal upwelling and measuring dissolved oxygen levels.
Among other findings, the report underscores that the global ocean is experiencing warming, contributing to rising sea levels. The global ocean heat content reached a record high in 2022, particularly in the upper 2000m of the ocean.
The OSR 7 also reveals a record low oxygen level in the southern Adriatic Sea, extending to almost 600m below the surface. The analysis underscores the critical role of deep ocean ventilation, influenced by various ocean processes, including circulation patterns and heat flux.
This wealth of information, presented in a user-friendly and interactive format, not only serves the scientific community but also empowers decision-makers and the public to comprehend and address the evolving state of our oceans.
Source: copernicus.eu