CNN —Deep ocean water in the Antarctic is heating up and shrinking, with potentially far-reaching consequences for climate change and deep ocean ecosystems, according to a report. They also found that ocean waters deeper than 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) have warmed four times faster than the rest of the global ocean. They are a vital part of global ocean circulation, transporting human-caused carbon pollution into the deep ocean where it remains for centuries, said Silvano. If this deep circulation weakens, “less carbon can be absorbed by the deep ocean, limiting the ability of the ocean to mitigate global warming,” Silvano told CNN. This cold, dense water also has a vital role in supplying oxygen to deep ocean waters.

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Persons: Povl, ” Alessandro Silvano, ” Silvano, ”, Holly Ayres, ” Ayres, Zhou Organizations: CNN, British Antarctic Survey, Weddell, University of Southampton, Reading University Locations: Weddell, Antarctica