Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Marine Research, known as NIOZ, have demonstrated that storm activity driven by climate change can stimulate algae growth by delivering nutrients to aquatic vegetation. The results were shared on the Netherlands Scientific Publications platform, NRPs portal, which hosts current scientific findings.
During intense storms, waves disturb the sea floor, agitating muddy sediments and releasing nutrients that were trapped at depth. In a matter of hours, plants gain access to a nutrient supply that would typically take weeks to accumulate under calmer conditions. This rapid enrichment supports quicker growth and heightened productivity within coastal ecosystems.
The team tested their idea by using a construction mixer to loosen bottom sediments and by monitoring shifts in fertilizer concentrations within the water column. The experiments showed that mechanical disturbance can mobilize nutrients previously bound in sediments, making them available to aquatic flora.
In addition to nitrogen release, storms were found to boost phosphorus uptake by plants. The combination of nutrient release and faster absorption could shift the ecological balance of intertidal zones, informing management approaches to sustain healthier benthic communities and more resilient shorelines.
While these potential ecological gains exist, the rising intensity of storms linked to climate change poses notable risks. Global losses from storms and other climate-related disasters reached roughly 250 billion dollars in 2023, according to Munich Re, a leading international insurer. These economic impacts highlight the need to balance natural nutrient pulses with protective measures for coastal communities and habitats.
Earlier researchers warned about the possibility of more extreme hurricanes as global temperatures rise. The idea of new category six storms has been discussed within scientific circles, illustrating the complex and sometimes conflicting outcomes of a warming climate for marine and coastal systems.