For the first time, researchers have quantified global emissions of methanethiol, a sulfur gas produced by marine plankton, uncovering its significant role in cooling the planet.
This study, led by scientists from the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) and the Blas Cabrera Institute of Physical Chemistry (IQF-CSIC), highlights methanethiol’s influence on atmospheric cooling, particularly over the Southern Ocean.
The study expands on the long-known climatic effects of marine sulfur, traditionally attributed to dimethyl sulfide.
Methanethiol, however, has a stronger ability to form aerosols—particles that reflect solar radiation and aid cloud formation, thus reducing heat retention in the atmosphere.
The findings underscore the importance of including this compound in climate models, especially for accurate projections of warming scenarios.
Dr. Charel Wohl, now at the University of East Anglia, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this research. “We knew methanethiol existed but had no idea of its quantity or climatic impact.
Climate models have historically overestimated solar radiation over the Southern Ocean due to inadequate cloud simulation. Our work bridges this gap.”
New findings bridge gaps in climate models, aiding accurate predictions of global warming trends.The researchers combined extensive data, including satellite measurements of seawater temperatures, to map methanethiol emissions on a global scale.
Their analysis revealed a 25% increase in known marine sulfur emissions, with methanethiol emerging as a critical component of the planet’s sulfur cycle.
Dr. Martí Galí from ICM-CSIC added, “Methanethiol emissions improve our understanding of the oceans’ role in cooling the climate.
This discovery allows for more accurate representation of clouds and better climate predictions.”
The study also highlights the urgency of addressing human contributions to climate change.
Dr. Julián Villamayor, co-lead researcher, explained, “Methanethiol’s impact is more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere, where human activity is less prevalent.
Incorporating its emissions into models advances our ability to balance the planet’s radiation budget.”
These insights mark a significant step in refining climate models and crafting informed policy decisions to combat global warming.