Sliver of cool surface water 2mm deep helps oceans absorb CO2, say scientists

Subtle temperature difference between ocean skin' and water beneath found to drive more CO₂ absorption

A sliver of cool surface water less than 2mm deep helps oceans absorb carbon dioxide, a British-led team of scientists has established after months of voyages across the Atlantic painstakingly measuring gas and temperature levels.

The subtle difference in temperature between the ocean skin" and the layer of water beneath it creates an interface that leads to more CO₂ being taken in, the scientists observed.