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

Diagram showing the various mCDR methods and their effects on the oxygen content in the ocean
13.06.2025

What helps the climate is not automatically good for the ocean

ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ study analyses the impact of marine carbon dioxide removal methods on global ocean oxygen levels

[Translate to English:] Ein Mann mit blauer Strickmütze hockt am Strand hinter einer Kühlbox mit blauem Deckel und hält einen Seegras-Spross hoch.
03.06.2025

Start of the Underwater Planting Season

NGOs renaturalise large areas of seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea for the first time

A dead fish lies at the beach
05.05.2025

Artificial oxygen supply in coastal waters: A hope with risks

Researchers warn: Technical measures are no substitute for reducing nutrients and protecting the climate

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30.04.2025

Looking into the Past to Understand the Climate Future

Prof. Dr Ying Cui is a Humboldt Fellow at ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ

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