The North Sea was warmer in 2023 than ever before since measurements began. This is a consequence of climate change and can have consequences for the ecosystem.
The average water temperature in 2023 was just under 11.9 degrees, according to measurements by the Helgoland Biological Institute of the Alfred Wegener Institute (Awi) in Bremerhaven. According to the institute, this was the highest temperature recorded since the start of the long-term ‘Helgoland Reede’ data series in 1962.
March 2024 will be the warmest since 1962
Researchers have continued to observe high temperatures in the North Sea this year. On average, January, February, March and April 2024 are among the ten warmest months since 1962. “March 2024 was even the warmest March since 1962 with an average water temperature of 6.9 degrees Celsius,” it says.
“The North Sea is warming so quickly because it is a shallow sea, surrounded by landmasses, like a big puddle,” says Karen Wiltshire, director of the Helgoland Biological Institute. “Therefore, the temperature trends for the mainland are absolutely consistent with those for sea temperature.”
According to the institute, marine heat waves are likely to impact not only surface waters but also seabed habitats.
Source: Krone
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