Between late 1997 and mid-2008,satellites observed that warmer-than-average ocean temperatures led to below-average chlorophyll concentrations in the oceans.This finding suggests that continued warming of Earth's oceans could lead to a(n)________ in net primary productivity in the oceans,and the oceans would,therefore,remove ________ carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Warmer-than-average ocean temperatures can lead to a decrease in chlorophyll concentrations, which is a proxy for a decrease in net primary productivity (NPP). NPP refers to the rate at which plants and algae convert carbon dioxide into organic matter through photosynthesis. Therefore, a decrease in NPP means that less carbon dioxide is being removed from the atmosphere.

Between Late 1997 and Mid-2008,satellites Observed That Warmer-Than-Average Ocean Temperatures