This week, ocean temperatures reached an all-time high, breaking the previous record by a wide margin and showing no signs of abating.
According to recent data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average worldwide ocean surface temperature touched 20.96 degrees Celsius (69.7 Fahrenheit) at the end of July. This surpassed the previous record of 20.95 degrees Celsius established in 2016. Copernicus ocean data can be traced all the way back to 1979.
Scientists warn that the globe has to prepare for further ocean temperature increases as El Niño adds to the already elevated temperatures brought about by human-caused global warming. They are worried that this year's record-breaking ocean temperatures are only the beginning of a dangerous trend.
Start of Disastrous Trend?
British Antarctic Survey oceanographer Kaitlin Naughten expressed concern about the state of the ocean based on the Copernicus data, CNN reported. She added that the current sea surface temperatures are "exceptionally and unseasonably warm," having far-reaching ramifications, particularly for complex ecosystems like coral reefs.
Oceanographer Gregory C. Johnson of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has also reported that sea surface temperatures have increased dramatically this year. "It's about 15 years worth of the long-term warming trend in a year," he told CNN.
The temperature may get considerably higher. According to Johnson, the average surface temperature stays rather high throughout the month of August and into the beginning of September before gradually dropping.
Greenhouse gases are still being released, Johnson added. Long-term, therefore, sea surface temperatures will continue to rise unless society as a whole decides to drastically reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Maritime Heat Waves
This year's maritime heat waves have been especially shocking to experts due to the severity of the damage they have caused. Overheating the ocean may cause coral reefs to bleach rapidly, which can cause the loss of other marine species and an increase in sea level.
Multiple coral reefs in the Florida Keys have been entirely bleached or killed as a result of a marine heat wave that has raised water temperatures to "hot tub" levels.
Extreme heat in the North Atlantic off the shores of the United Kingdom and Ireland in June, described as "totally unprecedented" by NOAA, led to worries about the effects on marine life. Temperatures were as high as 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) above average.
The warming of the ocean also affects the weather. When it comes to mitigating the effects of pollution that contributes to global warming, the oceans serve a crucial role as a buffer. Warmer water is less efficient in removing carbon from the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.
