The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reports that the global seas’ average surface temperature this week reached a record-high 20.96C.
Image credits: Eden Channel
Since temperatures are often highest in March rather than August, it is expected that the record will continue to be broken. The previous record temperature was 20.95C, achieved in 2016.
It fits into a pattern of global sea surface temperature records and marine heat waves.
Our oceans play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate, absorbing excess heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, due to human activities and the burning of fossil fuels, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has risen significantly. This, in turn, has led to an increase in the Earth’s average temperature, including the surface temperature of our oceans.
Last week, the Mediterranean Sea’s surface temperature reached a record high of 28.71C. The waters near the Florida Keys reached highs of just over 38C, which may have broken a global record and were comparable to hot tub temperatures.
The North Atlantic may be the warmest it has ever been, according to research released last Friday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Additionally, the temperature is rising substantially earlier in the year, with September setting past records.
In July this year, the average temperature of ocean water reached 20.96 degrees Celsius, which is 69.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Scientists are concerned about the warming of ocean water. The previous record high temperature was 20.9 degrees Celsius, which was noted in 2016.
Since oceans typically reach their peak worldwide temperature in March rather than August, scientists predict that the record will likely continue to be broken.
Given that 2016 was an El Nino year, it is likely that the weather phenomena are a contributing factor in the temperatures. However, climate breakdown and the warming atmosphere are likely exacerbating these weather patterns.
Additionally, the oceans influence weather patterns, operate as a carbon sink, and provide relief by cooling off scorching land temperatures with cool air that blows off the ocean. However, as the oceans warm, these beneficial effects diminish. Warm waters also have less capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, resulting in higher atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas. Sea level rise is a result of ice melting, which is also a result of warming waters.
El Nino Effect-
The El Nino weather phenomena are probably contributing to the high temperatures. The increase in sea surface temperatures is a result of El Nino. Additionally, it lessens the region’s trade winds.
Image credits: BBC
May affect the marine ecosystems-
Marine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to changes in ocean temperature. The warming waters disrupt the natural habitats of many marine species, leading to shifts in migration patterns and changes in the distribution of marine life. Coral reefs, for example, are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in coral bleaching and die-offs.
Sea level rise-
As ocean temperatures rise, thermal expansion occurs, causing sea levels to rise. Additionally, melting ice from glaciers and polar ice caps contributes to the rise in sea levels, posing significant risks to coastal communities and low-lying islands.
The unprecedented surface heat records experienced by global oceans are an urgent wake-up call. The impacts of rising ocean temperatures affect not only marine ecosystems but also the well-being of human communities around the world. By understanding the root causes and adopting sustainable practices, we can collectively work towards mitigating the effects of climate change on our oceans.
