Oceans Warming Up Faster Than Before
posted in Global Warming |Did you know that the oceanic temperatures are rising by the minute? Infact, experts are of the opinion that oceans have warmed up nearly 50 percent faster than in the previous 40 years due to the changes in climate. This revelation was reported by researchers from Australia and the United States.
Researchers are assuming that rising temperatures implies the rise in sea levels and the expansion of the water bodies. This in turn is major threat to low-lying areas which are densely populated. It is speculated that the risk of small islands and nations is further enhanced with the warming up of the oceans seas which can completely submerge these tiny pieces of land and life.
Experts opine that rising sea levels are the result of two factors – due to the thermal or heated expansion of the water and due to the melting of ice. Researchers explain that both factors emerge as a result of global warming. For instance, researchers reveal that the ice sheet over Greenland contains as much water to raise world oceans levels by 7 meters or 23 feet which can alone submerge cities all the way from Dhaka to Shanghai.
Scientists are engrossed in estimating, understanding and forecasting further climatic changes and any further rise of ocean temperatures and the pace at which the oceanic temperatures are rising.
The Center for Australian Weather and Climate Research makes use of new techniques to estimate ocean temperatures at depths of 700 meters which is almost equal to 2300 feet. The new study reveals that thermal temperatures rise at the rate of 0.53 millimeter per year as to 0.32 millimeter rise reported earlier.
The new results scientists believe will help in developing alternative strategies to combat situations and impact on life. Contrary to earlier claims that rising levels were a threat to living things, today melting ice has also taken the seat of being major result and threat of global warming.
Scientists also reveal that the world’s oceans contain more than 90 percent of the heat of the Earth’s climatic system and act as temporary shield. However, rising temperatures can instigate thermal expansion and rise in sea levels which can be ghastly for mankind and other living creatures.