Open seas play a vital and influential role in regulating the composition of the atmosphere, as they are a fundamental pillar in achieving environmental balance on planet Earth. Because oceans and seas cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, they are considered the "blue lungs" of the world, absorbing large quantities of gases and helping to stabilize the climate and purify the air.
Carbon Dioxide Absorption
One of the main functions of open seas is their ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. This gas dissolves in large quantities in the water and is used by microorganisms such as phytoplankton, which photosynthesize like land plants, contributing to the production of oxygen. Studies indicate that oceans absorb between 25% and 30% of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from human activities, making them a natural barrier that mitigates global warming.
Regulating the Planet's Temperature
Oceans play an effective role in regulating temperatures on the Earth's surface. Water has a high thermal capacity, enabling it to absorb and store heat, then gradually release it. This feature reduces temperature variations between night and day, as well as between seasons. Ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, also transport warm water from tropical regions to colder regions, contributing to global climate regulation and warming regions such as Europe.
Atmospheric Oxygen Production
Phytoplankton in the seas not only absorb carbon dioxide, but are also a major source of atmospheric oxygen production. Scientific estimates indicate that the seas and oceans are responsible for generating more than 50% of the oxygen we breathe, which, contrary to popular belief, is more than the production of forests.
Contribution to the Water Cycle
Through evaporation, the oceans contribute massive amounts of water vapor to the upper atmosphere, leading to cloud formation and rainfall. This cycle directly affects the global climate and the availability of freshwater around the world.
Long-Term Climate Regulation
The oceans also play an important role in long-term climate stability through mechanisms known as "ocean carbon pumps," natural processes that draw carbon from the surface of the waters to the deepest depths, where it remains stored for long periods, perhaps thousands of years. This process contributes to limiting the accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere.
Open seas are not just habitats for marine organisms; they are essential factors in stabilizing the Earth's environment and climate. They absorb gases, regulate temperature, produce oxygen, and contribute to the water cycle. Hence, protecting the oceans from pollution, overfishing, and climate change is crucial to ensuring their continued vital role in sustaining life on the planet.
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