Ocean climate fix?

[caddyman]

Now here’s an interesting thing.

A “quick fix” to climate change proposed by Science Museum head Chris Rapley and Gaia theorist James Lovelock; the idea is simple, if expensive and technologically achievable, if something of an engineering feat. There are potential drawbacks, too, insofar as there may be issues for the larger marine wildlife, particularly whales.

The idea is based upon the simple premise that cold oceanic water is more productive than warm oceanic water (which, I have to say came as a bit of a surprise to me as a layman. Intuitively I would have thought that warm water would support more life, but there we are).

Floating pipes reaching down from the top of the ocean into colder water below move up and down with the swell.
As the pipe moves down, cold water flows up and out onto the ocean surface. A simple valve blocks any downward flow when the pipe is moving upwards.

The idea is simply that colder water at the surface will increase sea water absorption of CO2, reducing atmospheric warming and putting a brake on global warming.

The drawback is that estimates suggest that it would take 134 million such pipes to do the work and the technology has to be designed and tested, much less built and deployed. But it’s an interesting idea.

Comments

[mr-h-r-hughes.livejournal.com]

In intersting idea certainly but also sadly a distraction that will be seized upon by the 'Technology will solve all our problems' types who don't want to face difficult decisions.

[sack-boy.livejournal.com]

Under normally circumstance, a non-limited biological process will "run" faster in warmer conditions compared to cooler conditions. However, in a water environment most processes are directly or indirectly limited by the availability of dissolved oxygen. The solubility of gases in general decreases with increasing temperatures, this leads to the apparently contradictory situation of cooler waters have more abundant life than warmer waters - especially at the microscopic & plankton end of the scale.

[mathcathy]

It's a terrifying idea.

[caddyman.livejournal.com]

But is it more terrifying or less, than the thought of the tide coming in all the way to Cambridge?

[fencingsculptor.livejournal.com]

Couldn't we just stone everyone who drives a gas guzzling 4x4.

...And eat more CO2 emitting sheep and cattle ?

[mr-h-r-hughes.livejournal.com]

I am intrigued by your ideas and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

[fencingsculptor.livejournal.com]

There are 6 bi-monthly Newsletters but I eventually get bored sustaining a reasoned arguement around mid year usually suggest that some unused Intercontinental Balistic Missile should be dispatched forthwith to the problematic region to *ahem* 'resovle' the issue.

On the plus side though...subscription is free ! Bargain!

[mr-h-r-hughes.livejournal.com]

Lets not talk about your *ahem* 'meat habit' James ; )

[fencingsculptor.livejournal.com]

Well, I and the rest of the EU seem to be paying for an awful lot of agricultural produce that we don't need and don't even give away free to those who could use it (shame on us).

In FencingSculptorWorld Farmers WOULD be allowed to drive 4x4s because they have a demonstrable need to do so.

Isabella Farquar and her tiny tots Clamidia and Tarquin should be stoned for a) giving such stupid names to kids (they'll be bullied at school you know especailly for having a face and indeed name like an otter) and b) For driving a 'Chelsea Tractor' to the local school and turning their nose up at public transport which they assume is reserved for the common people.

PAH ! Civilisation who needs it anyway ..... nuke it all and let nature start over...it might make a jolly good job next time round.

After all we know it only seven days to start afresh.

[ladkyis.livejournal.com]

at this moment in time there are few farmers with the cash to spare to fuel their 4x4 because someone at a "government establishment" released a virus. And still the only 'cure' is slaughter. When I was in college more than 40 years ago there was an outbreak of foot and mouth and then the only answer was slaughter and burning.
but it isn't the disease that is destroying the farmers it's the restrictions on selling the animals - this will give the supermarkets the excuse they need to import more meat and reduces the british farmer's chance at the market.
* climbs down off soap box*

[ellefurtle.livejournal.com]

That's very clever. I wonder just how hard it would be to work out the long term ramifications in terms of ocean temperatures and CO2 levels and consequent effects on the ecosystem. Interesting though.