Researchers from the University of Sydney have proposed a groundbreaking theory explaining the accelerated heating of the oceans, utilizing principles of quantum physics. Their findings, published in the Journal of Physics Communications, unveil that the energy accumulating in the oceans consists not only of heat but also of quantum energy forms.
The study identifies hybrid photon pairs linked to oscillating water molecules as a key factor in this phenomenon. This insight sheds light on the additional energy accumulation and rising ocean temperatures.
To validate their hypothesis, the team analyzed ocean temperature data spanning the last 70 years, focusing on the interplay between thermal and quantum energy, solar radiation, and greenhouse gas effects. Their experiments employed physical models and thermodynamic analyses of ocean water processes.
Results indicated that prior to 1960, oceans maintained a stable balance between daytime heating and nighttime cooling. However, the increasing volume of greenhouse gases disrupted this equilibrium, leading to a rise in both types of accumulated energy and a record average sea surface temperature of 21.1 degrees Celsius.
This new model significantly enhances our understanding of the factors influencing ocean temperature rise, outperforming traditional approaches based solely on thermal dynamics.