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Record Marine Heat Waves in 2023 Covered 96% of Oceans, Lasted Four Times Longer than Average
GLOBAL OCEANS, JUL 24 – Marine heatwaves in 2023 were the longest, widest, and most intense on record, with 90% of global ocean warming concentrated in key regions, researchers said.
- In 2023, marine heatwaves reached unprecedented levels, impacting nearly the entire global ocean surface and persisting for durations approximately four times longer than historical norms across various regions.
- These extreme heatwaves mainly resulted from intense warming in the North Atlantic and tropical Pacific, driven by factors such as reduced cloud cover, weaker winds, and El Niño.
- The North Atlantic marine heatwave lasted 525 days with temperatures up to 3°C above normal, while the Southwest Pacific heatwave broke records in extent and persistence.
- Scientists cautioned that these events can overwhelm ecosystems to the point of irreversible damage, leading to the destruction of coral reefs, a decline in biodiversity, higher death rates, and shifts in fish populations.
- If greenhouse gas emissions are not quickly reduced, marine heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and severe, posing significant risks to ocean ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal economies around the world.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Record marine heat waves in 2023 covered 96% of oceans, lasted four times longer than average
Heat waves aren't just getting worse on land, the majority of the world's oceans are experiencing record-breaking temperatures too. These marine heat waves are getting longer, more intense and reaching farther than ever before. In particular, 2023's marine heat waves (MHWs) exhibited the longest duration, widest extents, and highest intensities on record—and 2024 wasn't any better.
2023's Marine Heatwaves Unprecedented, Signals Early Stages of Irreversible Changes to Coral Reefs, Ecosystems
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. Marine heatwaves -- prolonged periods of raised ocean temperatures than what are typical for that time of year -- experienced in 2023 were not only unprecedented, but may have also signalled a potential climate tipping point, with irreversible, negative impacts to coral reefs and ecosystems, according to a new study. India News | 2023's Marine Heatwaves Unprecedented, Signals Early Stages of …
NewScientist
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsRecord marine heatwaves may signal a permanent shift in the oceans
Fierce marine heatwaves were recorded globally in 2023 and 2024, and some researchers now believe they mark the start of a fundamental change with devastating consequences for life on Earth
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