US EditionOceans are heating faster in two bands stretching around globe, study reveals
- A new study led by Dr. Kevin Trenberth reveals that the world's oceans are heating fastest in two latitude bands near 40 to 45 degrees south and around 40 degrees north.
- These heat bands formed since 2005 alongside shifts in the jet stream and ocean currents due to the buildup of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel burning.
- The Southern Hemisphere band affects regions near New Zealand and Tasmania, while the Northern Hemisphere band impacts waters east of the US and Japan, leading to ecosystem disruption and increased atmospheric moisture.
- Trenberth states these patterns are "very striking" and notes, "most of the extra heat ends up in the ocean," which fuels extreme weather and rising sea levels measured at over 4 mm per year.
- The findings suggest ocean heating alters climate systems, increasing flooding and erosion risks globally, and highlight the need for further evidence to guide adaptation planning.
11 Articles
11 Articles
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Oceans are heating faster in two bands stretching around globe, study reveals
The world's oceans are heating faster in two bands stretching around the globe, one in the southern hemisphere and one in the north, according to new research led by climate scientist Dr. Kevin Trenberth.
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