Unprecedented Rise in Global Ocean Heat Throughout the Past Year
Since March 2023, the world has witnessed a continuous surge in ocean surface temperatures, setting new records daily. This alarming trend has raised significant concerns regarding its effects on marine ecosystems and the likelihood of more intense weather events.
The world's oceans have been going through a full year of extreme heat, with a new temperature record being broken every day, according to new data.
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Maine's Climate Reanalyzer shows that global ocean surface temperatures began breaking daily records in mid-March last year. This trend is raising concerns for marine life and extreme weather worldwide.
"The increase in sea surface temperature records in 2023 and 2024 has been truly impressive," mentioned Joel Hirschi, who works as an associate head of marine systems modeling at the National Oceanography Centre in the UK.
TOPSHOT - An aerial picture taken on October 1, 2022 shows a broken section of the Pine Island Road, debris and destroyed houses in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Matlacha, Florida on October 1, 2022. - Shocked Florida communities counted their dead October 1, 2022, as the full scale of the devastation came into focus, two days after Hurricane Ian tore into the coastline as one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the United States. (Photo by Ricardo ARDUENGO / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP via Getty Images)
On October 1, 2022, shocking aerial photos captured the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Matlacha, Florida. The images showed a broken section of Pine Island Road, debris scattered around, and houses destroyed by the powerful storm. The devastation left communities in Florida mourning their losses as they came to terms with the full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The storm had made landfall two days prior, leaving a path of destruction along the coastline and ranking as one of the strongest storms to ever hit the United States.
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But he mentioned that the records were not unexpected. This is because ocean heat is being intensified by human-induced global warming, as well as by marine heatwaves and El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by higher-than-normal ocean temperatures.
The primary impacts are felt on marine life and global weather patterns. The increasing warmth of the global oceans can fuel more intense hurricanes and other extreme weather occurrences, such as sweltering heat waves and heavy rainfall.
High ocean temperatures are causing severe damage to coral reefs. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is currently facing its seventh mass bleaching event, as reported by authorities after conducting aerial surveys.
Bleaching happens when stressed corals expel the algae living in their tissues, which is their source of food. If the ocean temperatures remain elevated for an extended period, the coral can eventually starve and perish.
Data from NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch tool reveals that the issue extends far beyond Australia, indicating a potential fourth global mass coral bleaching event in the near future.
According to oceanographer Karina von Schuckmann from Mercator Ocean International in France, warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy to intensify hurricanes. This means that as the ocean heats up, the potential for stronger and more devastating storms increases.
Temperatures in the North Atlantic have been unusually high, which is important because this area plays a key role in hurricane formation. Some scientists are surprised by the unprecedented temperatures and are working to understand the exact reasons behind it.
Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, mentioned to CNN that the temperature records in the North Atlantic have been broken by margins that are almost statistically impossible at times.
If very high ocean temperatures continue into the second half of 2024 and a La Niña event develops, it could increase the risk of a very active hurricane season, according to Hirschi.
About 90% of the excess heat generated by burning fossil fuels is stored in the oceans. Schuckmann mentioned to CNN that monitoring ocean warming helps us keep tabs on the progress of global warming, as the ocean plays a crucial role as a sentinel for climate change.
El Niño is expected to weaken and eventually dissipate in the coming months. This could help stabilize the unusually high ocean temperatures, especially if La Niña follows and brings cooling effects.
According to Schuckmann, historically, surface temperatures have decreased after El Niño passes. However, it is difficult to predict exactly when ocean heat will decrease below record levels.
CNN’s Derek Van Dam contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The relentless increase in ocean temperatures is a sobering testament to the profound impact of human activity on our planet. The relentless breaking of daily temperature records serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing climate change. The consequences for marine life are dire, with coral reefs facing mass bleaching events and entire ecosystems facing disruption.
Moreover, the warming oceans are directly fueling more intense and frequent extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heat waves. The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in Florida is a tragic example of the growing risks we face. As ocean heat continues to accumulate, we must recognize that the time for action is now.4, combined with the ongoing La Niña event, highlights the urgent need for climate mitigation and adaptation measures to safeguard our oceans and communities from the devastating impacts of climate change.
