Global Sea Surface Temperatures
Source: Indian Express
GS II: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Overview
- News in Brief
- Global Sea Surface Temperatures
- Way Forward
Why in the News?
The average global sea surface temperature (SST) the temperature of the water at the ocean surface for February 2024 stood at 21.06 degree Celsius
News in Brief
- This is the highest ever in a dataset that goes back to 1979, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said on March 5.
- The previous record of 20.98 degree Celsius was set in August 2023.
- Almost 90 per cent of the extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the oceans, making them steadily warmer over the decades, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
Global Sea Surface Temperatures
Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) play a crucial role in shaping global weather patterns, marine ecosystems, and climate variability. The temperature of the ocean surface influences atmospheric circulation, precipitation patterns, and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Key Facts
- The global average sea surface temperature has been rising steadily over the past century due to human-induced climate change. According to NOAA, since the late 19th century, the global average sea surface temperature has increased by approximately 0.13 degrees Celsius per decade.
- El Niño and La Niña events, which occur cyclically in the tropical Pacific Ocean, have significant impacts on global weather patterns. El Niño events are characterized by warmer-than-average SSTs in the central and eastern Pacific, while La Niña events are associated with cooler-than-average SSTs in the same region.
- Coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel their symbiotic algae due to stress, is triggered by prolonged exposure to high sea surface temperatures. This can result in widespread coral mortality and ecosystem degradation. According to the NOAA Coral Reef Watch, mass coral bleaching events have become more frequent and severe in recent decades due to global warming.
- Warmer sea surface temperatures fuel the intensification of tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Warm ocean waters provide the energy needed for these storms to strengthen, leading to higher wind speeds, increased rainfall, and greater storm surges. The Atlantic hurricane season, for example, has witnessed an increase in the number of intense hurricanes in recent years, partly attributed to warmer SSTs.
- Changes in sea surface temperatures can also disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries. Species distribution patterns may shift as warmer waters become inhospitable for some species while favoring others. Th
Some Impacts
- The 2015-2016 El Niño event was one of the strongest on record and had far-reaching impacts worldwide. It contributed to droughts in Africa, wildfires in Indonesia, heatwaves in South America, and disruptions to global agricultural production.
- The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, one of the world’s largest coral reef ecosystems, experienced unprecedented coral bleaching events in 2016, 2017, and 2020 due to prolonged exposure to high sea surface temperatures. These bleaching events resulted in extensive coral mortality and ecosystem damage.
- The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was exceptionally active, with several major hurricanes, including Harvey, Irma, and Maria, causing widespread devastation in the Caribbean and the southeastern United States. Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean contributed to the rapid intensification of these storms.
Way Forward
Understanding the dynamics of global sea surface temperatures and their impacts is essential for climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and ecosystem conservation efforts. To mitigate the adverse effects of rising sea surface temperatures, concerted global action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and enhance adaptive capacity in vulnerable communities.
Investments in climate monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and sustainable marine resource management practices can help build resilience to the impacts of changing sea surface temperatures, safeguarding both human livelihoods and marine ecosystems for future generations.
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