Research Spotlight: Southern Hemisphere Westerlies influence atmospheric carbon dioxide

The Southern Hemisphere Westerlies, the prevailing winds in the Southern Hemisphere, can strongly influence ocean circulation. D'Orgeville et al. used a climate model to study how changes in the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies affect atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through their influence on ocean carbon storage. The scientists confirm earlier assumptions that an increase in the wind amplitude would have the effect of accelerating the deep overturning circulation, decreasing ocean carbon storage, and releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.