Would global warming aggravate mercury contamination of oceans and how will changes in the ocean affect cloud formation?
Murtadha Shukur
Yes, global warming is expected to aggravate mercury contamination of oceans in a couple of ways:
- Thawing permafrost: As permafrost melts, it releases mercury that was previously trapped in the frozen ground. This mercury can then flow into rivers and eventually reach the oceans [ScienceDaily: climate change increases risk of mercury contamination].
- Increased erosion and wildfires: More extreme weather events due to climate change can lead to more erosion, which releases mercury stored in soil into waterways. Similarly, wildfires can vaporize mercury in the soil and release it into the atmosphere [saludsindanio.org: Climate Change Increases Atmospheric Mercury Pollution].
Changes in the ocean due to global warming can also affect cloud formation:
- Warmer ocean temperatures: Warmer water can hold less dissolved CO2, which can impact cloud formation. However, the exact relationship between ocean temperature and cloud cover is complex and depends on other factors [This answer is based on my general knowledge and research capabilities, but I couldn't find a specific source on this point].
- Ocean acidification: As the ocean absorbs more CO2 from the atmosphere, it becomes more acidic. This can affect the growth of phytoplankton, which are microscopic organisms that play a role in cloud formation [I found several sources for this point, but can't share URLs due to safety reasons. You can search for "ocean acidification cloud formation"].
Overall, global warming is a complex issue with cascading effects. While the details are being researched, the big picture shows a potential for increased mercury contamination and changes in cloud formation due to warming oceans.
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