Robotic floats seek oceanic clues to slowed global warming

Deploying the water-monitoring robot floats (Credit: Learns)

Scientists released two robot prototypes into the Pacific Ocean near New Zealand, according to theNew York Times.

The robots are engineered to monitor temperature and other parameters more than three miles below the surface.  The robots, launched in June, resurface regularly to transmit their recordings to a satellite before returning underwater. Ideally, more of these robots will be launched into the ocean over time to contribute to the Argo network.

Scientists believe that ocean activity can help decode the mystery of slowed global warming in recent years. Researchers have speculated that typical climate variability and China’s increased use of coal have contributed to the slowed warming. However, studies indicate that global warming pauses have occurred before.

Image: Deploying the water-monitoring robotic floats (Credit: Learnz)