A new study in Nature Geoscience reveals that carbon outgassing from the ocean caused by tropical cyclones has decreased over the last three decades. While these storms typically release CO2 into the atmosphere, a strengthening vertical temperature gradient in the upper ocean is increasing carbon uptake during the recovery period. This shift suggests that under high emissions scenarios, tropical cyclones may eventually lead to a net increase in ocean carbon absorption. However, this process is expected to accelerate ocean acidification, creating new challenges for marine ecosystems.
