Meteorologists from the University of Reading’s National Center for Atmospheric Science and scientists from the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA—CSIC-UIB) led a research team that discovered that global warming has tripled marine heatwave duration since 1940. Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

To mimic sea surface temperatures in a future free of human-caused global warming, the team developed a climate model that spans the years 1940–2023. Scientists created a baseline scenario to evaluate changes in marine heat waves during the previous 80 years by integrating historical data and long-term sea surface temperature trends. They then contrasted this scenario with actual observed sea temperatures.

Dramatic Rise in Frequency, Duration, and Intensity

Periods when ocean surface temperatures are noticeably higher than the historical norm are referred to as marine heat waves. Higher evaporation rates brought on by these heat waves may increase the probability of severe weather and catastrophic occurrences like hurricanes and coastal floods. They also seriously endanger marine ecosystems by destroying seagrass meadows and upsetting marine creatures’ habitats.

According to the research team, heat waves are becoming more common and stronger; on average, they are 1°C warmer now than in the past. Compared to the 1940s, when there were only around 15 days of high marine heatwaves yearly, there are now about 50 days. There are currently up to 80 days of high marine heat per year in some areas of particular hotspots, such as the Indian Ocean.

According to the statistics, over half of all marine heatwaves since 2000 would not have happened without global warming. On top of these occurrences are baseline ocean temperatures that have been rising continuously.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Activists Contest Forest Department’s Approach To Forest Rights Act Implementation

Oceans Absorbing the Heat of Climate Change

The researchers noted that about 90% of the surplus heat held by greenhouse gases is absorbed by the oceans. In addition to speeding up changes in atmospheric and oceanic systems, this energy buildup exacerbates marine heat waves. According to experts, these heat waves’ growing frequency and severity highlight how vital it is to cut greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

They concluded that ongoing warming will probably make marine heat waves more damaging to weather systems and marine life, especially since global warming has tripled marine heatwave duration since 1940. The study team believes that cutting emissions is the only practical way to stop the oceans from worsening.

Also Read: AI Predicts El Niño Events In The South Atlantic Ocean Months In Advance