Smith’s research, published in the Journal of Physics Communications, offers a “quantum thermal physics paradigm” that could change our understanding of how global warming affects the oceans and therefore the climate.
Smith noted a worrying milestone earlier this year when the average global sea surface temperature reached a record 21.1°C. He argues that although increasing greenhouse gas emissions are well understood, current models do not explain the rapid increase in temperatures. According to Smith, ocean waters store not only heat but also quantum energy in the form of hybrid photon-water molecule pairs. This form of energy storage, which was stable until 1960, is now deteriorating due to additional heat from the atmosphere, causing warming to accelerate.
Smith said the discovery could help improve climate models and improve energy use, human health and environmental stability in a warming environment.
Source: Ferra
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