Volcanic
Vibes:
How Earth's Inner Forces Shape Our Climate A Summary for Policymakers
By Terigi Ciccone, and Gerld Ratzer, Science Correspondents
July 18, 2025
This report explores geological and solar forces, like underwater volcanoes, tectonic shifts, and solar cycles may influence ocean temperatures and global climate patterns, particularly in the Pacific and Southern Oceans.
1. Pacific Ocean and ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation):
- ENSO is a major climate driver, causing global weather shifts.
- Scientists suggest that underwater volcanic eruptions in the Pacific may release heat that intensifies
El Niño events.
- Solar activity may also influence volcanic eruptions and ocean warming.
- While these geological and solar factors may amplify ENSO by 5% to15%, atmospheric wind patterns remain the primary cause.
2. Southern Ocean andAntarctic Warming:
- The Southern Ocean is warming at great depths, which cannot be explained by surface heat alone.
- Researchers point out geothermal heat from underwater volcanoes, mantle plumes, and hydrothermal vents beneath Antarctica as the main source.
- This heat may be melting ice shelves and releasing stored carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change.
3. Key Scientific Insights:
- Surface heat cannot reach deep ocean layers due to physical barriers like water density and slow circulation.
- Geological heat sources directly warm deep waters, bypassing these barriers.
- Evidence includes high geothermal heat measurements and volcanic gas signatures.
4. Implications:
- Geological heat may be a significant but under-appreciated factor in ocean warming and CO2 release.
- While human CO2 emissions are substantial, natural sources and processes also play a role.
- Improved monitoring of deep-sea and volcanic activity is needed to better understand these effects.
5. Policy Considerations:
- Climate models should account for geological and solar influences.
- Investments in deep-sea observatories and satellite monitoring can help refine climate predictions.
- Abalanced view of natural and human contributions to climate change is essential for effective policy.
This summary highlights the importance of considering Earth's internal dynamics in climate discussions. While human activity remains a driver, natural forces also shape our planet’s climate in complex ways.
The paper, "Volcanic Vibes" update July 18, 2025 is posted at the same link as the earlier version.