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

Divers under water cleaning huge plasic tubes
29.04.2025

Hard-to-Avoid Emissions: Limited Potential for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal in Germany’s Seas

New Study reveals Feasibility Limits in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea

Ship at sea
24.04.2025

Trawling-induced sediment resuspension reduces CO2 uptake

ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ study investigates the impact of sediment resuspension induced by trawling and other natural processes in Kiel Bight

[Translate to English:] Ein beleuchtetes Forschungsschiff im Eis in dunkler Nacht
14.04.2025

Pioneering research reveals Arctic matter pathways poised for major shifts amidst climate change

New study provides unprecedented insight into highly variable and climate-sensitive transport pathways from the Siberian shelf to the Arctic Ocean

 A rocky structure under water where many small colourful fish swim
11.04.2025

Preserving and Using the Deep Sea: Scientists Call for More Knowledge to Enable Sustainable Management

Scientific report on deep-sea research sees 2025 as a decisive year for ocean health

Sunset over the sea
11.04.2025

CO2 removal and storage: Which options are feasible and desirable?

A new framework helps to evaluate the feasibility of ocean-based CO2 removal processes and assesses their impact on humans and nature