Today, I was introduced to the concept of a "marine heatwave". As you might imagine, it is a period of unusual intense heat, much like a normal heatwave, but in ocean water.
The context was that the Big Island of Hawaii is currently suffering such a marine heatwave. Apparently, it suffered one in 2015 as well, and the coral reefs off the east coast are still in the process of recovering from the devastation that one wreaked on them. The current event may prove even worse, with ocean temperatures 3.5°F (!about 2°C) above typical values for the season. That might not sound like much, but over a period of three or four months, the marine heatwave of 2015 showed just how much damage a small sustained temperature increase can inflict on a sensitive ecosystem like a coral reef. And remember, this particular reef is still in the process of recovery from four years ago, and is still in a stressed state.
Evidence of significant bleaching has already been recorded, and it is only expected to worsen in the months to come (coral bleaching is not just a matter of aesthetics, it is the first step towards the ultimate death of the reef as a vibrant and viable ecosystem).
And of course you know why this is happening. Yes, that good old climate change. More specifically, a persistent low pressure region and weakened winds over the North Pacific between Hawaii and Alaska, caused by unusually warm ocean temperatures, caused by ... climate change.
So, there you have it: marine heatwave. Get used to the term.
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