Seas experienced hottest temperature

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A new study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences has revealed alarming findings regarding ocean temperatures, indicating that 2024 has set new records for heat levels.

The ocean reached its highest recorded temperatures in 2024, not only at the surface but also extending to the upper 2000 meters, marking a significant milestone in climate science.

Led by Professor Lijing Cheng from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research involved a collaboration of 54 scientists from seven countries.

The study's findings were consistent across three international research teams, confirming that ocean heat content (OHC) has surged significantly.

From 2023 to 2024 alone, there was an increase of 16 zettajoules in the upper 2000 meters of ocean heat content—equivalent to about 140 times the world’s total electricity generation in 2023.

Regional variations in warming have been noted, with significant increases observed in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, as well as near both poles.

These temperature changes are not merely numbers; they have real-world consequences. Increased ocean temperatures contribute to extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.