Baltic Sea under stress: Sea researchers warn of growing heat
Baltic Sea under stress: Sea researchers warn of growing heat
Warnemünde (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)- The Baltic Sea is increasingly becoming a focus on scientific research due to increasing temperatures. A report by the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea research Warnemünde (IOW) emphasizes that warmth builds up on the surface of the Baltic Sea, which can have serious effects on the marine ecosystem.
The continued warming of the Baltic Sea
The data show that the Baltic Sea has been heated by more than a degree Celsius in the past three and a half decades. According to IOW, the region is one of the fastest warming sea areas worldwide. This development is worrying and could endanger the diversity of the underwater world in the long term.
Why the heat waves arise
A reason for the persistent heat is stable high -pressure locations over Scandinavia that occur during the summer months. Prof. Dr. Markus Meier, an expert in Baltic Sea class, explains that in addition to high sunlight, exceptionally weak winds lead to the heat waves. These conditions prevent the warm surface water from mixing with colder water from the depth.
consequences for the navy life
The rising temperature not only affects the water surface, but also spreads to a depth of 20 meters, especially in the flat coastal regions. This has devastating effects on the domestic mussels, crabs and fish, which are strongly threatened by the falling oxygen content. The researchers agree that both climate change and natural changes could be the causes of this alarming development.
a new look at extreme events
In addition to the already known hot water phenomena, the researchers are surprised by the winter heat waves that were not previously mentioned in this context. The influence of the Atlantic on the European Climate, which is already known, now proves to be a trigger for extreme weather events in the Baltic Sea.future prospects
The increasing heat waves in the Baltic Sea, which increase in their frequency and duration, require a thorough examination by science to explore the causes and possible solutions. These developments are crucial, not only for the sea ecosystems, but also for the coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism. A deep understanding of these dynamics is necessary to develop proactive measures against the dangers that these temperatures could bring with them and to sensitize the local population.