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https://theconversation.com/the-mediterranean-has-experienced-record-sea-temperatures-this-summer-this-could-devastate-marine-life-188995>
"The ocean sustains all life on our planet. It provides food to eat and oxygen
to breathe, while playing a key role in moderating our climate. But marine life
is increasingly threatened by climate change. The ocean is becoming
considerably warmer, affecting its ability to sustain life.
The searing temperatures seen around the Mediterranean this year are indicative
of rising global temperatures. This is set to continue over the next century,
contingent on how much CO₂ we continue to emit.
The International Energy Agency reported that global energy-related CO₂
emissions rose by 6% in 2021 to their highest ever level.
The Mediterranean has been subject to intense thermal conditions in recent
years. This has taken a further severe step this year, with sea temperatures
reaching a record 30.7°C off Corsica.
A marine heatwave is defined as an extended period of abnormally high sea
temperatures, relative to the seasonal average. They have doubled in frequency
since the 1980s.
Because of the delay between undertaking and publishing ecological work, the
most comprehensive study we have on Mediterranean marine heatwaves covers the
period 2015-2019.
The study found that the sea temperatures recorded in the Mediterranean over
the period were the highest since recording began in 1982. Of almost a thousand
field surveys conducted, researchers found that 58% of them contained evidence
of the widespread mortality of marine life, tightly linked to periods of
extreme heat.
The research provides an insight into the future ecological impacts of marine
heatwaves elsewhere. This is significant as substantial temperature increases
are forecast for tropical and polar regions in particular.
While the ocean acts as a large carbon sink, we still face increases in the
surface temperature of the sea ranging from 1–3°C before the end of the
century. Linked to this overall warming are marine heatwaves of increasing
frequency and intensity."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
