Dampak Perubahan Iklim, Gelombang Panas Menghantam Dasar Lautan

Summary

Scientists at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have discovered severe impacts of climate change on the ocean. They highlight the growing threat of 'marine heatwaves' that affect the ocean floor, posing a significant risk to marine life, such as lobsters and cod. These heatwaves last longer than those on the surface and can occur simultaneously with surface heatwaves in shallow regions. These temperature shifts could lead to ecological disruptions, including invasive species like lionfish and coral bleaching. While surface water warming has been well-studied, the effects on deeper ocean layers remain poorly understood, raising urgent concerns for future ocean ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Scientists at NOAA have discovered severe impacts of climate change on the oceans, with deep-sea heatwaves posing a serious threat to marine life.
• 😀 These deep-sea heatwaves can last longer than surface-level heatwaves, potentially devastating ocean ecosystems at the sea floor.
• 😀 Key marine species like lobsters and cod are especially vulnerable to these deep-sea heatwaves, which could lead to significant population declines.
• 😀 The findings were recently published in 'Nature Communications' under the title 'Bottom Marine Heatwaves of North America'.
• 😀 Surface water temperature spikes have historically disrupted marine ecosystems, with a notable event from 2013-2016 affecting the Pacific Ocean along North America's coastline.
• 😀 This surface heatwave led to the death of 1 million seabirds due to disruptions in their primary food sources.
• 😀 Deep-sea heatwaves are also occurring in regions like Australia, the Mediterranean, and Tasmania, affecting diverse marine ecosystems.
• 😀 Oceans have absorbed about 90% of the excess heat from global warming, which has led to an increase of 1.8°F (1°C) over the past century, according to NASA.
• 😀 The warming has resulted in a 50% increase in surface-level ocean heatwaves over the past decade.
• 😀 Researchers are working to better understand how these deep-sea heatwaves correlate with surface-level temperature changes, especially in shallow regions where different water layers mix.
• 😀 Warm bottom waters have previously been linked to the spread of invasive species like lionfish and coral bleaching, further complicating marine ecosystem stability.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the study conducted by NOAA scientists?

The study primarily focuses on the impact of climate change on the ocean, specifically investigating the occurrence and effects of deep-sea heatwaves.

What are deep-sea heatwaves, and why are they a concern?

Deep-sea heatwaves are prolonged periods of unusually high temperatures at the ocean's floor. They are concerning because they can harm marine life at the seabed, especially species like lobster and cod that live there.

How do deep-sea heatwaves compare to surface-level heatwaves?

Deep-sea heatwaves last longer than surface-level heatwaves and can affect marine species for extended periods, posing a greater risk to the ecosystems on the ocean floor.

What are some of the species that are at risk due to deep-sea heatwaves?

Species such as lobster and cod are particularly at risk due to the impact of deep-sea heatwaves, as they rely on the stability of seabed ecosystems.

What is the historical context of surface water temperature changes mentioned in the transcript?

Historically, surface water temperatures have also increased, with an example being the 2013-2016 Pacific Ocean warming event that caused significant ecological damage, including the death of one million seabirds.

How have deep-sea heatwaves been observed in regions outside the United States?

Deep-sea heatwaves have been observed in areas like Australia, the Mediterranean Sea, and Tasmania, affecting marine ecosystems globally.

How much heat have the oceans absorbed due to global warming, according to NASA?

Oceans have absorbed about 90% of the excess heat generated by global warming, resulting in a temperature increase of about 1.8°F (1°C) over the last 100 years.

What effect has this warming trend had on the occurrence of surface heatwaves?

The warming trend has led to a 50% increase in surface ocean heatwaves over the last decade, making such events more frequent and severe.

Why is it difficult for scientists to predict the occurrence of deep-sea heatwaves?

It is difficult because the deep ocean is harder to access and study, making it challenging to gather data on how these areas respond to temperature fluctuations.

What other ecological impacts have been linked to warm ocean temperatures?

Warm ocean temperatures have been associated with the spread of invasive species, such as the lionfish, and the bleaching of coral reefs, further disrupting marine ecosystems.