Short Wave What's Up With The Hot Ocean Temperatures?
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Sep 16, 2024 Rebecca Hersher, an NPR climate correspondent, dives into the alarming rise in ocean temperatures and their connection to hurricane activity, specifically Hurricane Francine. She uncovers the role of climate change while exploring intriguing factors like volcanic eruptions and solar cycles that could also be contributing to warmer seas. The conversation highlights how these changes impact marine ecosystems and fisheries, revealing the intricate web of influences affecting our planet's climate.
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Hot Ocean Fuels Storms
- Warm Atlantic and Caribbean waters are fueling powerful storms like Hurricane Francine, which recently impacted Louisiana.
- These unusually high temperatures, a few degrees above normal, contribute significantly to storm intensity due to increased energy.
Climate Change Not Sole Culprit
- While climate change is the primary driver, it doesn't fully explain the extremely high ocean temperatures.
- Other factors, like El Niño and La Niña cycles, contribute, but scientists are investigating additional 'suspects'.
Volcano Theory Debunked
- The Hunga Tonga underwater volcano eruption was initially suspected of increasing ocean temperatures by releasing water vapor.
- However, studies now suggest the eruption might have caused slight cooling due to released gases and ash that reflect heat.