Sea Surface Temperature Hits Record High at 21.1°C... Academia Also Baffled "No Explanation"

Average Temperature of 21.1°C in March

The temperature of the world's oceans soared to unprecedented levels over the past month. High sea temperatures are known to accelerate global warming. This means that extreme weather phenomena could become more severe.

On the 26th (local time), the British media outlet The Guardian reported, citing preliminary data released by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), that "the average sea surface temperature for the entire month of March was recorded at 21.1 degrees Celsius."

This is the first time since March 2016, which was recorded as the hottest March on record, that the March temperature has exceeded 21 degrees Celsius. This year, ocean temperatures began to rise sharply starting in March and have continued for a month. This is the first time since satellite observations began in 1981.

Sea near Greenland
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

While it is possible that this is an 'El Ni?o' phenomenon, which refers to a phase of warming in the Pacific Ocean surface temperature, The Guardian added that it is still too early to detect El Ni?o, making it difficult to explain the rapid rise in sea temperature.

Experts have expressed concern over this abnormal phenomenon, which is difficult to interpret with existing scientific knowledge. Mike Meredith, a professor at the British Antarctic Survey, told the media, "Recent phenomena are difficult even for scientists to explain," adding, "It is very surprising that warming is progressing to this extent."

He continued, "It could be a short-term extreme event, but it could also be the beginning of a much more serious situation."

Mark Maslin, a professor at University College London, pointed out that weather anomalies have been detected more frequently over the past three years. Professor Maslin said, "The weather anomalies that shocked climatologists in 2021 have continued through 2022 and into this year," adding, "Frequent weather anomalies and record-breaking temperatures seem to have become the new normal."

He emphasized, "It has become difficult to deny that climate change is happening right before our eyes."

The rapid warming of the oceans intensifies extreme weather phenomena. The melting of polar perennial snow and glaciers accelerates, and the overall sea level expands due to higher temperatures. This means that the global risk of flooding could arrive sooner. Additionally, sudden changes in sea temperature can adversely affect marine ecosystems that are unable to adapt.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.