Impact of high temperature heat waves on ocean carbon sinks: Based on literature analysis perspective

Abstract

The Earth's oceans serve as vast heat storage reservoirs and the ocean currents, forming a heat transfer zone, act as a buffer for climate change. The oceans play a crucial role in the water cycle, carbon cycle, and nitrogen cycle, interacting with the atmosphere. However, the increasing occurrence of heatwaves in recent years has disrupted the stability of the oceans and affected their function as a global thermostat. This paper examines relevant literature from the Web of Science database spanning from 1996 to 2023. Our analysis reveals the evolving research hotspots regarding the impact of heatwaves on ocean carbon sinks, progressing from “carbon dioxide - carbon emissions - ocean - seawater - organic matter - marine sediment” over the past decades. Keyword frequency and centrality analysis indicate a deepening focus in this field of study. The research areas primarily revolve around climate change, carbon dioxide, ocean variability, the influence of high temperatures on the carbon cycle, the weakening of the ocean carbon sink function, and ocean temperature. This study summarizes research findings on the mechanisms by which high temperature heatwaves affect ocean carbon sinks, alterations in ocean carbon cycle patterns, their impacts on marine ecosystems, and factors influencing seawater temperature and heatwave occurrence. Finally, the paper discusses novel findings in this field and proposes countermeasures to enhance ocean sink capacity amidst the warming trend.