Laser Satellites Reveal Hidden Antarctic Carbon Emissions
Scientists have uncovered a major surprise beneath the Antarctic darkness. Using laser satellites, researchers found that the Southern Ocean emits about 40% more carbon dioxide in winter than previously believed. This breakthrough changes how scientists understand the ocean’s role in Earth’s carbon cycle.
Seeing Through the Polar Night
Until now, observing the Southern Ocean in winter was nearly impossible. For months, the region stays in total darkness and faces harsh weather. Traditional satellites rely on sunlight to collect data, leaving a huge gap in climate measurements.However, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences used laser-based satellites equipped with LIDAR technology to see through the dark. Unlike normal sensors, LIDAR sends its own laser pulses, allowing it to detect ocean changes even during the long Antarctic night.
AI and Lasers Rewrite the Climate Map
By combining 14 years of LIDAR data with machine learning, the team created the first continuous winter record of carbon exchange in the Southern Ocean. Their results revealed that older models had missed nearly half of the winter emissions.
According to Professor Kun Shi, this discovery proves that the Southern Ocean’s carbon behavior is far more dynamic than once thought. The team also developed a new “three-loop framework” showing how different regions exchange carbon based on sea ice, temperature, and biological activity.
Why This Discovery Matters
These findings could help make global climate models more accurate. A clearer picture of the ocean’s carbon balance will improve future predictions for climate change and global warming.
As a result, the study demonstrates how advanced satellite technology and artificial intelligence can transform our understanding of Earth’s most remote regions.
