From heat waves to melting ice/ Are we losing the oceans?

2025-03-10 16:45:00, Kuriozitete CNA

From heat waves to melting ice/ Are we losing the oceans?
The eighth Copernicus State of the Ocean report, funded by the European Commission and produced by Mercator Ocean International, reveals unprecedented changes in the world's oceans due to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.

Over 120 scientists from Europe and beyond have analysed data from satellites and marine measurements on temperature, currents, sea level, oxygen and marine organisms. The use of advanced computer simulations has helped to create models of the ocean in space and time.

The results show that the ocean is changing at an alarming rate, affecting weather patterns, ice melt and marine biodiversity. Experts say understanding these changes is essential to developing innovative solutions to protect the ocean and life on Earth.

In hot water

Ocean water temperatures are rising at a rapid pace, doubling since 2005. The ocean absorbs about 90% of excess heat from the greenhouse effect, and the warming is most pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere.

Marine heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and longer. In 1982, only half of the world's waters experienced a marine heatwave during the year, while in 2023 this figure increased to 80%. The average duration of these waves has doubled since the late 2000s.

From heat waves to melting ice/ Are we losing the oceans?

More marine heat waves

Marine heatwaves are becoming longer, more frequent and more intense, particularly in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and surrounding seas.

In August 2022, waters near the Balearic Islands reached 29.2°C, the highest temperature in 40 years. In the Mallorca Channel, temperatures rose above 32°C, while the Gulf of Bothnia recorded an increase of 9.6°C above average. In the Iberian-Biscay-Ireland region, water temperatures reached temperatures up to 6°C higher than normal, with heat waves lasting an average of 145 days.

The warming has also reached deep into the ocean, up to 1,500 meters in the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, the seabed to the northeast of the Barents Sea has entered a permanent state of heat.

From heat waves to melting ice/ Are we losing the oceans?

Holding up an icy mirror

Since 1979, the Arctic has lost an average of 4% of its sea ice cover each decade, losing an area of ??2.2 million km². This melting reduces the reflection of sunlight, absorbing more heat and accelerating ocean warming.

In Antarctica, sea ice fell to its lowest level on record in 2023, losing an area three times the size of France. These changes are causing continued sea level rise and intensifying extreme weather, including higher waves around the world.

From heat waves to melting ice/ Are we losing the oceans?

Scientists emphasize that accurate data is essential to understand these changes and take measures for a more sustainable future./ Taken from the BBC, translated by CNA.