The discovery of the source of the deadly “Blob”: a giant thermal bath responsible for marine heat waves | environment

Rising temperatures, heat waves and extreme weather conditions have not left our oceans as they are. This is also evident from a study conducted by the University of Hamburg. Scientists from this university have discovered a giant pool in the northeastern Pacific Ocean that is three degrees warmer than the rest of the Pacific Ocean. The area covers three million square meters and was created by human influences.

In addition, the research shows that the temperature of the large area has increased at a rate of 0.05 °C annually over the past 25 years. Punishment? There have been 31 marine heatwaves in the region in the past two decades, compared to just nine between 1982 and 1999.

The researchers say that hot springs will continue to raise the temperature of the Pacific Ocean, increasing the frequency and intensity of marine heat waves – such as Blob or Blob.

Blob of Blob is an underwater heat wave that makes the water several degrees warmer than normal. Usually, this warming is accompanied by the mass death of some animals and marine creatures. “A sharp rise in water temperature will push ecosystems to their limits,” warns researcher Armeneh Barkordarian (University of Hamburg).

The most recent sea heat wave lasted for three years, from 2019 to 2021. During this heat wave, the water was six degrees warmer than usual in certain places.