Climate Change Tracker: The global ocean heated up to record levels in 2020
In the first week of 2021, 2020 was declared the joint-warmest year ever recorded, tying with 2016 for this dubious distinction. Prepared by a team of scientists from the US, China and Italy, the report states that not only was 2020 the hottest year on record for the global ocean, but also that the five hottest years have occurred since 2015. It has been well established that the global ocean has absorbed over 90% of the excess heat generated due to man-made climate change since at least 1970. As the report points out, last year’s record ocean heat was despite the fact that 2020 saw the onset of the cooling La Niña conditions six months into the year. Analysing long-term data, the study found that in the northern Indian Ocean, the OHC started rising after 2000, partly due to increased heat coming in from the Pacific Ocean.
Discover Related
Hurricanes can have long-lasting impacts on the deep ocean: Study explains
Record ocean, land temps continue; daily global sea ice extent reaches new low
World's strongest ocean current is slowing down as ice sheets pump water
Bengaluru to be hotter than Delhi: Could 2025 be the hottest year on Earth?
New England ocean warming slows but temperatures remain high
Volatile Climate Splits Weather Agencies on El Niño Messaging
World's largest iceberg headed for collision reveals 37-million-year-old secret
Earth is warming faster. Scientists are closing in on why
Watch: Warmest January on record, deadline for updated NDCs
Melting Glaciers Contribute Nearly 2cm to Rising Sea Levels This Century
Hot weather warning issued in South Australia as records expected to reach new highs