Algae layer on ocean surface thwarts ability to suck carbon from the air

● Invisible skin of microplankton cuts sea’s absorbtion of CO2 by up to 50%

An invisible “skin” of algae and phytoplankton on the sea surface hampers its ability to absorb climate-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, according to scientists.

Oceans are the planet’s biggest sink for greenhouse gases, but researchers from Edinburgh, Newcastle and Exeter have found this layer of biological compounds reduces the amount being captured through wave action by up to 50 per cent.

They said the findings could have major implications for predicting future climate.

Gas exchange between the air and the ocean is controlled by turbulence at the sea surface, the main cause of which is waves generated by wind. Greater turbulence increases the amount of gas taken in.

However, results from the latest studies shows naturally occurring surfactants inhibit absorption by smoothing out the sea surface.

The micro-organisms favour warmer conditions, so are increasing as oceans heat up as a result of climate change.