SKY HIGH, OCEAN DEEP CHANGES RELATED

Global warming and ozone depletion may be issues that seem to affect only the air we breathe, but they can have some pretty profound effects on the oceans, especially in the Arctic.

Warmer air has already led to melting glaciers. As the glaciers melt into the ocean, the sea level rises, not only because the melted glaciers are adding more water, but also because warmer water takes up more room. All of this extra water can mean further erosion of the Arctic coasts. In addition, as the fresh water from the glaciers mixes with the salt water of the ocean, the changing mixture can change water masses and ocean currents.

Ozone depletion is most severe in polar regions, where the effects of harsh sunlight are magnified by the reflective snow cover. The delicate organisms at the base of the marine food chain - some types of algae and zooplankton - are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and can be disrupted by the increase in sunlight caused by ozone depletion. As more sun-sensitive species fall by the wayside, the entire food chain in the ocean could be affected.

During the International Year of the Ocean, protecting the oceans may mean cleaning the air as well.

For more information, contact: Betsy Weatherhead, 303-497-6653