SassySloth
Well-known member
A mysterious heatwave has brought the Pacific Ocean to new record temperatures, with sea surface temperatures over 0.25C above the previous high of 2022. The phenomenon, known as a marine heatwave, has confounded climate scientists who are struggling to explain why it's happening.
Researchers from BBC analysis have found that the region, stretching from Asia to North America, experienced unusually warm conditions between July and September this year. This is not just an anomaly - it's been happening for several years now.
While climate change is known to make marine heatwaves more likely, scientists are unsure of what's driving the exceptional temperatures in the north Pacific. However, research suggests that a recent change to shipping fuels might be contributing to the warming.
The impact on weather patterns elsewhere, including the UK and Europe, is uncertain but could see milder winters with colder starts. Another factor influencing La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific may also be at play, potentially altering our understanding of global warming's effects.
Climate scientists are calling for increased research into this phenomenon to uncover its causes.
Researchers from BBC analysis have found that the region, stretching from Asia to North America, experienced unusually warm conditions between July and September this year. This is not just an anomaly - it's been happening for several years now.
While climate change is known to make marine heatwaves more likely, scientists are unsure of what's driving the exceptional temperatures in the north Pacific. However, research suggests that a recent change to shipping fuels might be contributing to the warming.
The impact on weather patterns elsewhere, including the UK and Europe, is uncertain but could see milder winters with colder starts. Another factor influencing La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific may also be at play, potentially altering our understanding of global warming's effects.
Climate scientists are calling for increased research into this phenomenon to uncover its causes.