The June 2023 heatwave in northern European seas was “unprecedented but not unexpected”, new research shows.
The June 2023 heatwave in northern European seas was “unprecedented but not unexpected”, new research shows.
During the heatwave, temperatures in the shallow seas around the UK (including the North Sea and Celtic Sea) reached 2.9°C above the June average for 16 days.
While unprecedented since observations began, the study warns that rapid climate change means there is now about a 10% chance of a marine heatwave of this scale occurring each year.
The June 2023 marine heatwave significantly disrupted phytoplankton blooms. Although its full impact on marine ecosystems remain to be assessed, such heatwaves can stress marine species and increase concentrations of bacteria that can harm humans.
Read More: University of Exeter
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