Nasa's ocean warming alert
Nasa's temperature visualization highlights concerning ocean changes driven by climate change, prompting public engagement and urging action to mitigate the harmful impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems.
According to the agency, warmer hues such as red, orange, and yellow indicate higher temperatures, while cooler shades like green and blue signify lower temperatures. (Photo: Nasa)
Oceans absorbing global warming, heat waves
Increasing greenhouse gas levels are heating not just the atmosphere, but also the oceans. Studies indicate that about 90 per cent of the surplus heat from global warming is absorbed by the oceans. Since monitoring started in 1955, ocean temperatures have been consistently rising, setting new records in 2023. This additional heat has resulted in more frequent and severe marine heatwaves. (Photo: Nasa)
Pace tracks ocean turning greener
Recent research reveals that the tropical ocean has turned greener over the past 20 years. The colour of the ocean indicates the life within it, with green hues often corresponding to phytoplankton. Monitoring shifts in phytoplankton populations due to climate change is a primary objective of the Pace mission, 2024. (Photo: Nasa)
Global sea level rises above
Since 1992, global sea levels have risen over 4 inches (101 millimetres), increasing coastal flooding. Warming oceans expand, and melting ice sheets add freshwater, further raising sea levels. The Swot mission and Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich provide unparalleled insights into these changes. (Photo: Nasa)
Warming oceans reshape hurricane
Hurricanes thrive on warm waters, and recent studies indicate that rising ocean temperatures are a major factor contributing to the rapid intensification of storms. Detecting this rapid intensification might be possible by observing changes in lightning activity around the storm's eye. Additionally, higher sea levels exacerbate storm surge flooding as storms make landfall.
Shrinking polar ice, oceans exposed
Satellite monitor how melting sea ice significantly affects global temperatures. Ice reflects sunlight due to its light colour, whereas dark open water absorbs it. Warmer oceans melt ice from below, and higher air temperatures melt it from above. As ice cover shrinks, more ocean is exposed, reducing sunlight reflection and warming the air and water. (Photo: Nasa)
Carbon dioxide increasing acidification
Satellites are providing critical data for scientists studying changes in ocean environments. Dissolved carbon dioxide increases ocean acidity, making it difficult for corals and other marine organisms to form shells and protect themselves. Marine heat waves are also creating conditions that are too warm for many corals to survive. (Photo: Nasa)
Satellites monitor heat distribution
Nasa satellites are actively monitoring changes in heat distribution as glaciers melt and the ocean warms. Ocean currents play a crucial role in distributing heat across the globe. The influx of freshwater from melting Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets may disturb the delicate balance of temperature and salinity that governs deep ocean currents. (Photo: Nasa)
El Niño phenomenon
El Niño happens when the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean experience above-average warming. This periodic warming can exacerbate ongoing global warming, intensifying hot years. (Photo: Nasa)