Ocean and Climate

Our climate is determined by the complex interactions between the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere and the geosphere, and it is ultimately the basis of all life on our planet. The ocean is one of the components, especially on long time scales. In addition to natural fluctuations controlled by interactions of the various components and the astronomical boundary conditions, the ever-increasing influence of human activities has been contributing to the changes in the climate system since the end of the 19th century. As a result, the ocean is not only getting warmer, but the seawater is becoming more acidic, loses its oxygen, and the sea level is rising.

ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is making an important contribution to a better understanding of the complex climate system. "Ocean and Climate" is one of the three central research topics at ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ. The research spectrum ranges from natural climate fluctuations in the past to the detailed study of the current ocean system to the modelling of future climate states, which enables the assessment of possible consequences and the evaluation of climate protection and climate adaptation strategies. ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ offers the best conditions for this: Scientists from a wide range of disciplines work together to investigate physical, chemical, biological or geological processes in the ocean in order to achieve a holistic view of the climate system and its changes and interactions with ecosystems.

News about Ocean and Climate

Icebergs on the sea in golden sunlight
06.10.2025

Cooler warm periods: How the Southern Ocean controlled climate and atmospheric CO2

New study: More carbon storage through stronger ocean stratification

Microalgae under the microscope, against a black background, are small rod-shaped, spherical and spiral white and yellow structures.
24.09.2025

Phytoplankton – the tiny Climate Heroes of the Ocean

New AI lighthouse project for Natural Climate Protection launched in the Baltic Sea

 A transparent plastic tube or bag hangs in the water; above the water, you can see the frame that holds it.
08.09.2025

New Mesocosm Study in Gran Canaria

Researchers Investigate Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Using Rock Powder and Dissolved Substances

Sunst over the Mediterranean sea
05.09.2025

What Climate Change Means for the Mediterranean Sea

ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ Study Highlights Urgent Need for Action

[Translate to English:] Das Forschungsschiff Elisabeth Mann Borgese liegt an einem Anleger. Im Hinergrund die Kieler Schwentine
04.09.2025

Life-Hostile Processes on the Seafloor

Expedition EMB374 investigates oxygen-depleted zones in the southwestern Baltic Sea