A study, led by Professor Chris Fogwell at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Keele University, revealed the significant role of sea ice across the southern ocean.
Professor Fogwell says the Southern Ocean has captured half of all human-related carbon which has entered the atmosphere today, and that this ocean is crucial for regulating carbon dioxide levels sourced from human activity.
The study recalls historic patterns in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to provide evidence that reinforces predictions about future warming.