Scientists claim 'speedy ocean warming' ahead of El Niño alarm

Global sea surface temperatures exceeded previous records last month. Never before has the temperature increased so rapidly. Scientists are still trying to figure out why this has happened. However, experts are concerned about the increment in sea temperature. The global temperature will hit a new record by the year's end when combined with different weather phenomena.

The El Niño Phenomenon

Over the coming months, El Niño is predicted by experts. El Niño is a weather phenomenon that heats the ocean water. Scientist claims that the El Niño incident is responsible for killing off marine life. It will bring on more severe weather and increase sea levels. Additionally, the phenomenon is less effective at absorbing greenhouse gases that warm the globe.

The Earth has heated nearly as much in the last 15 years. The temperature did not increase so much in the last 45 years because the seas absorb the excess heat. The effects of rising temperatures are being seen in the real world. In the latest study by scientists, the ocean's average temperature not only reached a record high. But, also significantly increased from long-term averages in some locations.

"We are trying to determine why such a rapid change is happening. Over the past 15 years, the amount of heat in the climate system has doubled; I'm not sure if this is due to climate change, natural variability, or a combination of both.

Dr Karina Von Schuckmann, affiliated at Mercator Ocean International,  Toulouse, France,

A decline in shipping emissions may affect the amount of heat entering the oceans. A rule to lower the sulfur content of ship fuel was put into effect by the International Maritime Organisation in 2020.

How is temperature rise problematic for the real world?

The Sea-level rise
Due to thermal expansion, warmer seas take up more space, and melting glaciers from Greenland and Antarctica that flow into the oceans can occur much more quickly.

Species extinction
More frequent and severe maritime heatwaves cause a catastrophic extinction of marine life. Coral reefs are particularly harmed by temperature rise.

Less ability to absorb CO2
Due to the phenomenon,  the seas absorb about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, which raises global sea levels and risks of coastal floods. The ability of warmer waters to absorb CO2 will be diminished.

Severe weather
Hurricanes and cyclones can accumulate more energy due to the warmer upper ocean surface. It will be consequently more vigorous and enduring. 

The reason behind Ocean warming

The oceans hold more heat due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations, which raises sea levels and increases sea surface temperatures. Global climate patterns will shift due to changes in ocean currents and temperatures brought on by climate change. Compared to preindustrial levels, the average surface temperature of the oceans has risen by about 0.9°C, with 0.6°C of the increase occurring in the past 40 years alone. The air temperatures over land have risen by more than 1.5°C since preindustrial times. 

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