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Oceans breathe in and out to the pattern of animal migration

Findings of a study that began at Princeton University have revealed the previously unappreciated role that animals have on the oxygen content in our oceans.

Reported in the journal Nature Geoscience, the research shows that the oxygen content of an ocean oscillates as sea creatures go to dine near the ocean top at night, then submerge to deeper, darker depths during the day to escape from predators.

While the study improves our understanding of how animal behaviours impact on ocean chemistry, it also offers an insight into how ocean life can be affected by changes in climate.

As climate change is predicted to decrease the level of oxygen in our seas, the researchers warn that smaller organisms will be more vulnerable to predators as they will no longer be able to consume oxygen at deeper, safer levels.

Read more at Princeton University

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