An alarming number of large seabird deaths, including albatrosses and puffins, have occurred along the Pacific coast this summer when nearly half of the world’s oceans are experiencing heat waves that exceed records as effects of warming oceans.
Effects of warming Oceans and challenges in Ecosystem (Photo: Max-Planck-Gesellschafts)
Effects of warming oceans: What’s causing the massive seabird die-offs?
According to a recent study done by academics at the University of Washington, seabird populations are at increased Effects of warming oceans. Although the study focused on data from the northeast Pacific Ocean, other scientists are worried about its significant ramifications.
The study found that rising sea surface temperatures and Effects of warming oceans—defined by researchers as above the 90th percentile for at least six days—were associated with a higher likelihood of seabird die-offs. Five times as many birds perished if temperatures were up to 1 degree Celsius (1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than normal for six months or more.
Marine biologist Timothy Jones, a lead author of the study, said, “This is unprecedented,” in a description of the research findings on the University of Washington website.
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Effects of Warming Oceans on the Ecosystem
Since March, sea surface temperatures in several locations outside of the polar regions have been higher than usual due to Effects of warming oceans. They reached their highest levels ever in April and May.
Karin Gleason, head of the monitoring section at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, told USA TODAY’s Dinah Voyles Pulver that statistically, weather records can be compared to a bell curve, with the most frequently observed temperatures along the high peak of the temperature extremes at either end of the curve, where the curve tapers off, are unusually warm and cold.
Average temperatures have come up, and the frequency of the new hottest records being set has been high. But, in stations internationally, the curve has shifted to the right, Gleason said.
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