Daily Current Affairs : 8-September-2023
Marine heatwaves, a concerning phenomenon caused by the prolonged increase in ocean temperatures, are poised to become more frequent and intense. According to the World Meteorological Organization agency World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), there’s a 50-80 percent probability that these heatwaves will extend until February 2024. This alarming prediction is indicative of the ongoing climate crisis and its profound impact on our oceans.
Understanding Marine Heatwaves
What are Marine Heatwaves?
Marine heatwaves occur when ocean temperatures in a specific region remain significantly higher than average for an extended period. These extended periods of elevated sea temperatures can have severe consequences for marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Climate Change’s Role
The intensification and global reach of current marine heatwaves can be largely attributed to climate change. The rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have led to an increase in global temperatures, which, in turn, affect ocean temperatures.
Causes of Ocean Warming
El Nino
One of the primary factors driving ocean warming is El Nino. This natural climate phenomenon redistributes ocean heat content across the Pacific, leading to increased temperatures in certain regions. Recently, El Nino conditions have reemerged after a seven-year hiatus, further contributing to ocean warming.
North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)
Another crucial contributor to ocean heating is the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). NAO is a natural pattern of atmospheric variability that influences surface winds and ocean temperatures in the North Atlantic. When NAO enters its negative phase, it can result in the warming of the North Atlantic.
Human-Induced Global Warming
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have led to global warming. A significant portion of the excess heat generated by these activities is absorbed by the oceans. As a result, the global ocean surface temperature has increased by approximately 0.9 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times.
Implications of Prolonged Marine Heatwaves
Environmental Impact
Marine heatwaves have severe consequences for marine ecosystems. If left unchecked, they can result in:
- Rapid intensification of cyclones.
- Fluctuations in monsoon rainfall patterns.
- Extreme warming in the tropical Atlantic, which can contribute to stronger storms.
These impacts can disrupt biodiversity, alter the structure of marine ecosystems, and harm coastal communities.
Economic Consequences
The economic repercussions of marine heatwaves are substantial. They can result in billions of dollars in damages to marine ecosystems and industries such as fisheries and tourism. The livelihoods of countless people depend on healthy oceans, making the economic impact of these heatwaves a matter of global concern.
Important Points:
- Marine heatwaves are expected to extend until February 2024, with a 50-80 percent probability, as per the World Meteorological Organization’s analysis.
- These heatwaves occur when ocean temperatures in a specific region remain significantly higher than average for an extended period, with climate change playing a major role in their intensification and global reach.
- Key factors driving ocean warming include El Nino, which redistributes ocean heat content across the Pacific, and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a natural pattern that influences North Atlantic temperatures.
- Human-induced global warming, largely caused by activities like burning fossil fuels, has led to an increase in ocean temperatures. The global ocean surface temperature has risen by about 0.9 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times.
- The consequences of prolonged marine heatwaves are significant, including rapid cyclone intensification, disruptions in monsoon rainfall patterns, and stronger storms due to extreme warming in the tropical Atlantic. These impacts harm biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
- Economically, marine heatwaves can result in billions of dollars in damages, affecting industries such as fisheries and tourism, which rely on healthy oceans.
- Urgent action is needed to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to changing ocean conditions, and protect marine ecosystems. Failure to do so may lead to irreversible harm to our oceans and the species that depend on them.
- The fate of our oceans and the well-being of future generations depend on the actions we take today.
Why In News
According to an analysis by the World Meteorological Organization agency World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), marine heat waves affecting oceans globally have a 50-80 percent chance of extending until February 2024. This prolonged period of elevated ocean temperatures could have far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems and weather patterns worldwide.
MCQs about Prolonged Marine Heatwaves and Their Implications
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What primarily contributes to the intensification and global reach of marine heatwaves?
A. Volcanic eruptions
B. Deforestation
C. Climate change
D. Solar radiation
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Which natural climate phenomenon redistributes ocean heat content across the Pacific and contributes to ocean warming?
A. La Nina
B. North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)
C. El Nino
D. Monsoon
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What is the approximate increase in global ocean surface temperature since pre-industrial times due to human-induced global warming?
A. 0.1 degrees Celsius
B. 1.0 degrees Celsius
C. 0.9 degrees Celsius
D. 0.5 degrees Celsius
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What are the potential consequences of marine heatwaves?
A. Increased ice formation in polar regions
B. Decreased sea levels
C. Stronger storms in the tropical Atlantic
D. Reduced rainfall in monsoon regions
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