Scientists warn that El Nino could intensify global ocean heatwaves

• Scientists have determined that the effects of El Nino are likely to increase the frequency of ocean heatwaves on the planet
• El Nino is expected to intensify the global heat anomaly in the ocean, which could lead to more frequent and longer-lasting extreme heat events across the world
• Researchers note that, despite the fact that the phenomenon is seasonal, the resulting ocean heatwaves can be extremely long and have serious consequences for marine ecosystems

Timothy Rasell, a marine ornithologist at the University of San-Diego, said that during extreme ocean heat events, which are caused by El Nino, seabirds can become disoriented and die. In particular, he noted that the phenomenon may be linked to the fact that the birds’ food supply becomes scarce and they have to travel farther to find it, which can lead to exhaustion.

“With the onset of El Nino, the ocean warms significantly, which affects the entire food chain,” Rasell explained. “This can cause fish to move to deeper waters or farther away, leaving seabirds without their usual prey.”

According to the researcher, the warm water near the surface can persist for months, and the heatwave can spread across large areas of the ocean, creating unfavorable conditions for many marine species.

Marine heatwaves are not only dangerous for animals but also for ecosystems as a whole. They can lead to oxygen depletion, changes in water chemistry, and mass die-offs of marine life.

International Bird Rescue J.D. Berggren said that when birds get caught in oil spills, they can still survive only if they are cleaned quickly and their feathers are restored. However, during periods of extreme heat, the birds may become exhausted faster, and the recovery process becomes more difficult.

The organization notes that the number of birds affected by ocean heatwaves may increase during El Nino, especially if the heat persists for a long time. In such cases, rescuers may need to intensify their efforts to help affected wildlife.

Researchers also emphasize that the phenomenon is not limited to one region: ocean heatwaves can spread across vast distances, affecting marine life far from where El Nino originates.

According to the researchers, the most vulnerable species are those that depend on stable ocean conditions to find food and reproduce. If the heatwave lasts longer, it can lead to a decline in populations.

In addition, the scientists warn that future El Nino events could become more intense due to climate change, which will increase the likelihood of more frequent and severe ocean heatwaves.

As a result, scientists urge monitoring ocean temperatures and developing adaptation strategies to reduce harm to ecosystems and wildlife.

Researchers also note that the “Blob,” which formed in 2013 due to a strong El Nino, was one of the most significant marine heatwaves in recent decades. It resulted in a sharp decline in common murres and other seabirds.

Tags: Weather/Ecology/Research