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Amplified warming accelerates deoxygenation in the Arctic Ocean

Author

Listed:
  • Yingxu Wu

    (Jimei University
    Ministry of Natural Resources
    Ministry of Education)

  • Zijia Zheng

    (Jimei University)

  • Xianyao Chen

    (Ocean University of China)

  • Wanqin Zhong

    (Jimei University)

  • Xu Yuan

    (Jimei University)

  • Wenli Zhong

    (Ocean University of China)

  • Ruibo Lei

    (Polar Research Institute of China)

  • Chenglong Li

    (Jimei University)

  • Yanpei Zhuang

    (Jimei University)

  • Xiang Gao

    (Jimei University)

  • Xichen Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hongmei Lin

    (Ministry of Natural Resources)

  • Liqi Chen

    (Jimei University
    Ministry of Natural Resources)

  • Wei-Jun Cai

    (University of Delaware)

  • Di Qi

    (Jimei University
    Ministry of Natural Resources)

Abstract

Overall ocean health depends critically on dissolved oxygen, which is increasingly impacted by global warming. The Arctic and subarctic regions are experiencing exceptionally rapid warming, known as Arctic amplification, yet its impact on oceanic oxygen remains poorly understood. Here we show that inflowing Atlantic Water (AW) drives deoxygenation in the upper eastern Arctic Ocean and the intermediate layers of the western Arctic Ocean at rates from −0.41 ± 0.17 to −0.47 ± 0.07 µmol kg−1 yr−1, six times the global mean. Amplified Arctic warming is the primary driver, significantly reducing oxygen solubility in the Arctic gateway regions. Rapid subduction and circulation of AW further transmit the deoxygenation signal into Arctic deeper layers, greatly threatening marine ecosystems. Our findings highlight the dominant role of warming Atlantic inflow in shaping the Arctic Ocean oxygen dynamics, indicating that ongoing temperature increases will perpetuate deoxygenation trends and underscoring the need for widespread attention.

Suggested Citation

  • Yingxu Wu & Zijia Zheng & Xianyao Chen & Wanqin Zhong & Xu Yuan & Wenli Zhong & Ruibo Lei & Chenglong Li & Yanpei Zhuang & Xiang Gao & Xichen Li & Hongmei Lin & Liqi Chen & Wei-Jun Cai & Di Qi, 2025. "Amplified warming accelerates deoxygenation in the Arctic Ocean," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 15(8), pages 859-865, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:15:y:2025:i:8:d:10.1038_s41558-025-02376-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02376-0
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