A recent study published in AGU Advances examines how the Southern Ocean might respond if global temperatures decrease due to sustained negative CO2 emissions after over a century of human-induced warming.

The research suggests that after centuries of cooling and negative emissions, the Southern Ocean could suddenly release a large burst of heat, known as a 'burp,' which could lead to significant warming over decades to centuries.

This heat release could occur with minimal CO2 release because of seawater chemistry, indicating a complex feedback mechanism in the ocean's response to climate change.

Despite the rapid warming, the heat flux would be accompanied by only a small release of CO2, highlighting the nuanced interactions between ocean chemistry and climate dynamics.

Using the UVic climate model, researchers simulated a scenario where CO2 levels increase until they double over 70 years, then sharply decline, resulting in sustained negative emissions and global cooling.

This modeling indicates that such a cooling phase could trigger the Southern Ocean to release stored heat, emphasizing its critical role in climate regulation during transitions to cooler conditions.

The findings underscore the Southern Ocean's significant role in heat exchange and climate regulation, especially during cooling scenarios, and point to the need for further research and monitoring of this vital region.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of understanding the Southern Ocean's response to changing climate conditions, as it could have profound impacts on global temperature dynamics.