London, April 17
The number of days each year that the world's oceans experience extreme surface heat has tripled over the past 80 years due to global warming, a new study has found.
Researchers found that, on average, the global sea surface saw about 15 days of extreme heat annually in the 1940s, Xinhua news agency reported.
Today that figure has soared to nearly 50 days per year, revealed the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Global warming is responsible for almost half of the occurrence of marine heatwaves -- periods when sea surface temperatures rise well above normal for an extended time.
The study, produced by a team of scientists from the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies, the University of Reading, the International Space Science Institute, and the University of the Balearic Islands, also found that rising global temperatures are making extreme ocean heat events last longer and become more intense.
"Marine heatwaves can devastate underwater ecosystems. Extended periods of unusually warm water can kill coral reefs, destroy kelp forests, and harm seagrass meadows," said Xiangbo Feng, a co-author of the study at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading.
The impacts of marine heat waves extend beyond the ocean. The researcher warns that increased marine heatwaves could, in return, cause our atmosphere less stable leading to more frequent and powerful tropical storms in some regions.
“As global temperatures continue to rise, marine heatwaves will become even more common and severe, putting increasing pressure on already stressed ocean ecosystems. These increased marine heatwaves could, in return, cause our atmosphere less stable leading to more frequent and powerful tropical storms in some regions,†Feng said
Noting that human activities are fundamentally changing oceans, the study called for urgent climate action to protect marine environments.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is terrifying but not surprising. We've been seeing the coral bleaching reports for years now. When will governments take real action? Our oceans are literally cooking 😢
As a fisherman, I've seen this firsthand. The water temps are way more unpredictable than when my grandpa fished these same waters. The article could've included more about impacts on fish populations though.
The connection to stronger storms is what worries me most. We barely recovered from the last hurricane season and now this suggests it'll only get worse. Stay safe out there coastal friends 🌊
While the findings are important, I wish the article explained the methodology more clearly. How exactly are they defining "extreme heat" days? The 15 to 50 day jump is dramatic but needs more context.
Just got back from snorkeling in Hawaii - the guides were pointing out all the dead coral areas. It's heartbreaking to see. We all need to do our part to reduce emissions and pressure corporations to change.
The ocean is our planet's life support system. If we don't protect it, we're doomed. Simple as that. Great article highlighting this critical issue ðŸ‘
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