The water off the West Coast of the United States is getting warmer. This is having repercussions on marine and terrestrial life, with record temperatures even though summer has not yet arrived, according to a study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published on Friday, May 22.
Summer is likely to become increasingly stifling for a large portion of the American population. An exceptionally severe marine heatwave has been affecting the West Coast of the United States for several months . Scientists fear that the climatic phenomenon is not likely to improve anytime soon, according to a study published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and reported by The Guardian on May 22.
The Pacific has been affected by significant marine heat since September and is disrupting the marine ecosystem of California, Washington State and Oregon, as well as Hawaii and Alaska, which are bordered by this ocean.
Scientists had hoped the heatwave had already passed. Unfortunately, according to projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the situation is expected to worsen in the coming days. The effects could be devastating for the planet. The intensification of the marine heatwave could cause record temperatures on land and disrupt marine food chains.
Record temperatures, forest fires, water shortages…
This is what is happening in some American cities. In March, Missouri and Nebraska recorded days reaching 33°C. Some areas along the southern border between California and Arizona experienced temperatures as high as 44°C.
« Abnormally warm waters tend to retain atmospheric heat from the summer months and release it during the winter months, which significantly alters weather patterns, » explains climatologist Larry O’Neill, a professor at the University of Oregon, in the Guardian.
These abnormal temperatures could also lead to increased humidity and dry thunderstorms. « We are heading towards a catastrophic wildfire season, with insufficient water reserves. The summer will be much hotter than normal, » warns the climatologist.
Life on land is not the only thing impacted by this climate phenomenon. This heatwave is also disrupting marine life and the ecosystems of whales, seals, and seabirds. Furthermore, the stranding of marine animals on beaches is one of the first signs of oceanic disturbance.
source : C news
