Scientists who track the temperature in the ocean have discovered that the bottom of the sea is experiencing intense heatwaves. Temperature spikes ranged from half a degree Celsius up to 5 degrees Celsius. These can often remain hidden.
The team thinks that marine heatwaves can be more intense and last longer than the hot spells observed at the ocean surface. However, this varies from coast to coast. Heatwaves at the bottom and surface tend to occur at the same time in shallow regions because the waters mingle. However, in deeper parts, bottom marine heatwaves can develop without any indication of it at the surface.
Climatologists studied a new model by researchers at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to understand how global warming is affecting the temperature in the ocean. It is based on the analysis of the underwater temperature of continental shelf waters surrounding North America. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
Lead author Dillon Amaya, a climate scientist with NOAA's Physical Science Laboratory, said this is the first time experts have been able to really dive deeper and assess how these extreme events unfold along shallow seafloors. Co-author Clara Deser said this research is particularly significant as the oceans continue to warm, not only at the surface but also at depth. This is impacting marine habitats along continental shelves.
It can also have consequences for coastal communities and economies.