The Movement of CO2 Through the Frozen World of Sea Ice

Abstract

Every winter, a frozen blanket known as sea ice completely covers the Arctic Ocean. For centuries, sea ice has been viewed as a solid lid on the ocean that acts as a boundary to block gases traveling between the ocean and the atmosphere. However, scientific discoveries over recent years have shown that sea ice is more like a sponge, a porous substance that is also home to microscopic life forms. The pores in sea ice are filled with very salty liquid called brine that is rich in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). These liquid pockets create a network of tubes or channels that move gases like CO 2 , similar to the way veins and arteries move blood in our bodies. In this article, you will discover how CO 2 enters, exits, and is transformed in one of the harshest environments on Earth.