Study: Ocean heat can boil billions of Olympic-sized pools today
A 2023 study in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences revealed that the world's oceans absorbed enough "excess heat" to boil billions of Olympic-sized swimming pools! Research showed that both sea surface temperatures and the energy stored in the upper 2,000 meters of the ocean set unprecedented records. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Chinese Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) estimated that oceans absorbed around 9 to 15 zettajoules more than they did in 2022.
Impact on weather patterns and climate
This increase in ocean heat absorption has a major impact on weather patterns and climate. As oceans get warmer, more heat and moisture enter the atmosphere, causing unpredictable weather with strong winds and heavy rain. The study also pointed out that some of the heat stored in oceans contributed to record heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires in 2023.
Ocean salinity reaches an all-time high
The report also found that ocean salinity reached an all-time high, causing a process called "stratification," where water separates into layers that no longer mix. This affects oxygen, carbon, and heat exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere, leading to a loss of oxygen in the ocean. The opposite weather phenomenon, La Nina, helps cool the ocean surface. El Nino, currently in effect, is expected to peak in 2024, causing more oceanic heat.
Human activity is also a key factor
According to the study, covering 70% of Earth's surface, oceans have absorbed 90% of excess heat produced by human activity and carbon pollution since the industrial age. Burning fossil fuels leads to global warming, which in turn results in warmer sea surface temperatures.
Florida sea exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in 2023
Per reports, the water off the coast of Florida went extremely hot, surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius) for two days in a row in 2023. The results raised doubts about whether this is the hottest seawater ever recorded. Separately, scientists noted that sea surface temperature anomalies on August 21, 2023, were more than 3°C (5.4°F) warmer than normal in the Pacific Ocean.
Ways to overcome ocean warming
One of the most important solutions to help the oceans cool down is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Paris Agreement, we must cut annual carbon emissions by one to two million tons for this to happen. This also highlights that the world has to monitor human activities. Some of the harmed ecosystems can be repaired if ecologists can use assisted breeding methods or create artificial habitats.
