ocean temperatures record If the world moves to a climate that is 3.0°C warmer than pre-industrial levels, these temperatures recorded in 2023 could become the norm. The effects of the exceptional situation experienced last year have been revealed by a new scientific study.
Starting in March 2023, the North Atlantic began showing extremely hot temperatures, well above those seen in the last 40 years, that is, since records were found. In August 2023, the North Atlantic was approximately 1.4°C warmer than the 1982-2011 average.
Analysis of predictions from climate models used by scientists shows that last year’s extreme ocean conditions These were similar to the average that would occur if global warming reached a 3°C increase compared to pre-industrial times.
Currently, global temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, and it is not excluded that these temperatures will continue to rise unless greenhouse gas emissions are abruptly cut.
New research published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society examines the reasons for the record ocean temperatures observed in 2023.
Till Kuhlbrodt, from the University of Reading, who led the study, said: “Extraordinary temperatures in the North Atlantic and the absence of sea ice in the Southern Ocean in 2023 tell us that the oceans are pulling all the alarms. “We need to understand exactly why these parts of the ocean are warming so quickly. The most frequent climate changes on the planet. “How often we will be affected by these extremes will depend on discovering what factors are driving the Atlantic and Southern Oceans into this uncharted territory.”
energy imbalance
The study highlights that Earth’s energy imbalance is likely a major cause of extreme ocean temperatures. The planet currently absorbs more solar energy than it emits, at more than 1.9 watts per square meter radiates into space in the form of heat.
This is equivalent to approximately 300 times the global annual electrical energy consumption over a one-year period across the Earth.
This imbalance has increased rapidly in recent years, mainly due to gases from human activities that trap and trap heat.
Oceans absorb almost all of the warming
Increasing energy surplus causes oceans to warm and More than 90% of the excess energy accumulated by the Earth is channeled into the oceans.
The Atlantic Ocean has warmed faster than any other ocean basin in the upper 100 meters of the ocean since 2016.
Researchers suggest that this further warming in the Atlantic may be linked to a record decline in sea ice in the Southern Ocean.
This rapid warming in the Atlantic A sharp decline in the sea ice cover surrounding Antarctica, among other consequences, it is a major factor in sea level rise across the planet.
The extent of winter sea ice in Antarctica in 2023 has reached by far the lowest levels since satellite monitoring began in the 1970s.
Researchers emphasize the need to measure the extent to which rapid warming in the Atlantic is affecting sea ice cover. Accurate measurement of ocean and sea ice, that climate models can accurately predict extreme events It will help drive the adoption of mitigation policies and resilience measures worldwide in the future.
Kuhlbrodt added: “We need more data from the Atlantic to conclusively link warming trends and ice melt to a change in the pattern of ocean currents, but the signals point to hidden climate connections between the poles.”
Reference work: 10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0209.1
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