15 consecutive months of record-high ocean temperatures due to climate change and El Niño, impacting weather patterns and marine life.

Ocean temperatures have been record-high for 15 consecutive months, affecting weather patterns and marine life. Climate change and El Niño are the main factors contributing to the warming, but other potential factors are being investigated. One theory is that cleaner air from shipping regulations might be increasing ocean temperatures as air pollution from ships previously helped form clouds that reflected sunlight, preventing some heat from reaching the ocean. Another theory concerns a massive 2022 volcanic eruption, which may not have significantly increased ocean warming; although it released sulfur, ash, and water vapor into the atmosphere, water vapor absorption of heat from the sun may have offset its cooling effect.

August 14, 2024
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