New research shows that tropical cyclones typically cause the ocean to release carbon dioxide. However, this effect is diminishing as global warming increases the temperature difference between the sea surface and deeper waters, leading to stronger cooling after storms and more carbon uptake. If CO2 emissions remain high, the role of these storms could reverse by 2035. Instead of releasing carbon, tropical cyclones may begin to drive more carbon into the ocean, which would accelerate ocean acidification and threaten marine ecosystems.
