Marine heatwaves have intensified in the world’s oceans, causing a sharp rise in surface water temperatures, which may lead to critical consequences.
This was reported by Euronews.
Scientists note that in 2023 the Earth experienced a surge of marine heatwaves in the oceans. These episodes set new records for geographical extent and duration, with many lasting more than a year and affecting up to 96% of the ocean surface.
Photo: shutterstock.com/ru
Following the latest research, specialists have reported that prolonged spikes in temperature may signal a tipping point for the global ocean, with devastating consequences.
Scientists say that the oceans may have undergone fundamental changes. Record water temperature increases were recorded on the surface of the North Atlantic Ocean and in the southwestern Pacific waters.
“We know that marine heatwaves have become increasingly common and intense over time due to global warming. We also know that El Niño, which began in 2023, has allowed more heat to enter the ocean,” says climate scientist Alex Sen Gupta of the University of New South Wales.
Research
Chinese, American, and Thai scientists decided to investigate the cause of the sharp ocean warming and what consequences it may have for the planet in the future.
After conducting their research, the scientists noted that decreased cloud cover allows more solar radiation to reach the water, which became a key factor. Weaker winds were also influential, as they are not sufficient to cool the ocean’s surface and increase its evaporation. This is due to changes in ocean current patterns.
Photo: shutterstock.com/ru
Scientists state that the oceans have undergone fundamental changes, shifting to a new, hotter state, which they describe as the new normal.
Consequences
Experts have stated that ocean warming has a destructive impact on the marine ecosystem and life on land, and may lead to significant consequences for terrestrial life as well.
Oceans play a key role in regulating global temperature, as they store and slowly release large amounts of heat. Because oceans take more time to react to changes compared to the atmosphere, the consequences can be both gradual and sudden. One of these is the extinction and migration of many fish species, as well as the potential destruction of coral reefs. Coral reefs absorb carbon; therefore, their destruction will lead to even greater temperature increases in the oceans.
The consequences for land include higher air temperatures, since sea breezes carry hot air deeper into the continent, resulting in droughts, heat waves, and wildfires.
“While we urgently need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, it is critically important to continue measuring, monitoring, and modeling what our Earth will be like in the future,” says the head of climate research at the Australian National Academy of Sciences, Jaci Brown. “If we do not do this, we will not be able to prepare, and we are heading into the unknown with dire consequences for our future food, health, and safety.”
As EcoPolitic previously reported, Humanity risks losing the Great Barrier Reef due to global warming.
