How Mars's Influence Creates 'Giant Whirlpools' in Earth's Deep Oceans
Despite being millions of miles apart, Mars's impact extends to Earth's oceans, generating massive whirlpools, as revealed by a recent study.
Mars, despite being approximately 140 million miles away from Earth, is playing a role in the formation of "giant whirlpools" in our deep oceans, as per recent research findings.
In a study conducted by scientists, sediments collected from numerous deep-sea locations over the last fifty years were examined. This analysis aimed to delve tens of millions of years into the past of Earth, with the goal of gaining insights into the intensity of deep ocean currents.
They were surprised by their discovery. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday, showed that deep-sea currents fluctuated in strength over 2.4 million-year climate cycles, as indicated by the sediments.
Adriana Dutkiewicz, a sedimentologist at the University of Sydney and co-author of the study, expressed surprise at the discovery of these cycles. She explained that the only way to make sense of them is by connecting them to the interactions between Mars and Earth as they orbit the Sun. According to her, this study is the first to establish this connection.
The relationship between the two planets is influenced by a phenomenon known as "resonance." This occurs when the gravitational forces of two orbiting bodies interact, creating a push and pull effect. Some describe this as a form of harmonization between distant planets. As a result of this interaction, the shape of their orbits is altered, impacting their circularity and distance from the sun.
Scientists used samples from sclerosponges off the coast of Puerto Rico to calculate ocean surface temperatures going back 300 years.
Scientists used samples from sclerosponges off the coast of Puerto Rico to calculate ocean surface temperatures going back 300 years.
Douglas Rissing/iStockphoto/Getty Images
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Data from ancient sea creatures indicates that the Earth is heating up at a faster rate than previously believed. This is due to increased solar energy during periods when the Earth is closer to Mars, leading to warmer climates. These warmer cycles are linked to more intense ocean currents, as stated in the report.
While these natural climate cycles, known as 2.4 million-year cycles, impact warming and ocean currents on Earth, they are not responsible for the rapid heating of the planet that is currently happening due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Dietmar Müller, a professor of geophysics at the University of Sydney and co-author of the study, clarified this distinction.
The researchers refer to these ocean currents, also called eddies, as "giant whirlpools" that can extend all the way to the deep ocean floor, causing erosion and the accumulation of sediments similar to snowdrifts.
The scientists identified strong eddies by analyzing breaks in the sediment cores. Deep-sea sediments normally form in layers during calm periods, but intense ocean currents can disturb this process, leaving behind evidence of their presence.
According to Müller, satellite data for tracking changes in ocean circulation has only been accessible for a limited time. Therefore, sediment cores, which provide a historical record dating back millions of years, are valuable for studying circulation changes in a warmer climate.
If today’s human-caused warming continues on its current trajectory, it will have a significant impact for a long time to come. However, the geological record can still offer us valuable insights into how the oceans function in a warmer world.
Waves in the North Atlantic Ocean near Gatklettur, Iceland, March 2020.
Waves in the North Atlantic Ocean near Gatklettur, Iceland, March 2020.
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Critical Atlantic Ocean current system is showing early signs of collapse, prompting warning from scientists
The authors propose that these swirling ocean currents known as eddies could potentially help lessen the impacts of a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The AMOC is a vital ocean circulation system that acts like a giant conveyor belt, moving warm water from the tropics to the far North Atlantic.
Scientists have been raising concerns about the health of the AMOC, with worries that it may be showing early signs of weakening and could be on the path to collapse. Global warming is causing oceans to warm up and ice to melt, disrupting the delicate balance of heat and salt that determines the strength of the AMOC.
A collapse of the AMOC could lead to catastrophic climate consequences. This could result in temperatures dropping quickly in certain areas while increasing in others.
According to Müller, it is important to note that their work does not predict the fate of the AMOC. Instead, their focus is on the fact that even if the AMOC were to shutdown, there are other processes in place to mix the ocean. However, the consequences of these processes would be significantly different.
There are concerns that if the AMOC shuts down, it could result in surface waters with high oxygen levels not mixing with deeper waters, leading to an ocean that lacks movement and life. "Our findings suggest that stronger deep-ocean eddies in a warmer climate might prevent such stagnation," he explained.
Joel Hirschi, who is the associate head of marine systems modeling at the National Oceanography Centre in the UK and was not part of the study, mentioned that the discovery of a 2.4 million-year cycle in sea sediments is significant. He also stated that the research methodology is reliable and a connection with Mars could be plausible.
He mentioned to CNN that the connection between ocean circulation and eddies is not confirmed, and the evidence linking deep ocean circulation to eddies in warm climates is not very strong.
According to satellite observations, there has been an increase in the activity of these eddies in recent decades. However, he pointed out that the currents do not always reach the ocean floor, so they may not be effective in preventing sediment accumulation.
The study’s authors stated that it is still uncertain how various factors impacting deep-ocean currents and marine life will unfold in the future. However, they are optimistic that this new study will contribute to creating more accurate predictions for future climate scenarios.
Editor's P/S:
This article provides fascinating insights into the intricate relationship between Mars and Earth's deep oceans. The discovery of 2.4 million-year climate cycles in deep-sea currents, influenced by the gravitational interactions between the two planets, highlights the interconnectedness of our solar system. This study not only deepens our understanding of past climate patterns but also offers valuable information for predicting future climate scenarios.
The potential role of "giant whirlpools" in mitigating the impacts of a potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is particularly intriguing. While the study does not predict the fate of the AMOC, it suggests that even if it were to weaken, other ocean processes might come into play. This finding underscores the complex and dynamic nature of our oceans and the potential for natural processes to buffer against some of the adverse effects of human-induced climate change., ocean circulation, and marine life, researchers can contribute to more accurate climate models and enhance our understanding of the complex interplay of factors shaping our planet's destiny.
