But he added that the records were unsurprising, given that ocean heat is being supercharged by human-caused global warming, a series of marine heatwaves and El Niño, a natural climate pattern marked by higher-than-average ocean temperatures.
Global ocean warmth can add more power to hurricanes and other extreme weather events, including scorching heat waves and intense rainfall.
Ocean heat sets the stage for more ferocious hurricanes.
“Measuring ocean warming allows us to track the status and evolution of planetary warming,” Schuckmann told CNN.
But, she added, it’s currently impossible to predict when ocean heat will drop below record levels.
Persons:
”, Joel Hirschi, El, Karina von Schuckmann, Brian McNoldy, ” Hirschi, ” Schuckmann, it’s, Derek Van Dam
Organizations:
CNN, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, University of Maine’s, National Oceanography, University of Miami Rosenstiel School
Locations:
Australia, France