Opportunities and dangers of the ocean

Over two thirds of the world's surface is covered by water. The oceans are not just a habitat for fish and corals but also serve as important indicators of environmental factors – such as the increase in CO2. When it dissolves in water it attacks the shells of sea urchins and mussels. Scientists at the Cluster of Excellence "Future Ocean" measure the changes in Ph and evaluate the impact on the eco-system. The potential extinction of certain marine species would not just have economic repercussions but could also permanently alter the living conditions of mankind. The huge volumes of water in the seas surrounding us have a significant effect on the global climate. Argo floats and gliders yield detailed data on certain areas of the oceans and regularly measure temperature and salt content. Sediment core samples from the depths of the oceans provide insights into previous changes in climatic and weather conditions. The researchers from Kiel use this data to improve models of the future climate, they evaluate the chances and risks of the changes and develop plans for the sustainable use of the future ocean.