QUES . Discuss the hazards associated with the rising sea-surface temperature.
HINTS:
The sea-surface temperature of the ocean varies with latitude. In general, the warmest water is found near the equator and the coldest waters are found in higher latitudes near Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Due to global warming, sea-surface temperatures have risen steadily in the last 5 decades.
Hazards associated with rising sea-surface temperature:
The following are hazards associated with the rising sea-surface temperature:
I . Atmospheric hazards
As we know ocean water continuously interacts with the atmosphere through the convection and radiation process, and the exchange of heat happens between ocean water and the atmosphere. The rise in sea-surface temperature creates the following atmospheric hazards:
1 . Risk of heavy rains and drought in some areas:
The rise in sea temperature leads to an increase of water vapor in the atmosphere which causes changes in weather phenomena. Some regions may get increased rain and other regions may be affected by drought.
2 . Increase in tropical cyclones:
The rise of sea temperature increases the frequency of tropical cyclones. We have noticed that year by year number of tropical cyclones is increasing in the Bay of Bengal as well as the Indian Ocean. India is facing major hazards from tropical cyclones.
As per the IPCC( Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) 2021 report, there will be a rise of 7 % in intensified extreme weather such as cyclones, an increase in the heatwave, shorter cold season due to a 1-degree centigrade rise in sea temperature.
3 . Climate change
II . Changes in the Marine ecosystem
1 . Rising sea surface temperatures can affect the plant, coral, fish, and bacterial species present in marine ecosystems.
2 . Corals are very sensitive to temperature, a rise in sea level will increase coral bleaching which will lead to a decline in fish production.
3 . The rise in ocean temperature increases the number of certain bacteria as well as the number of new viruses, which increases the risk of contamination of seafood and will lead to an increase in food-borne diseases.
4 . Changes in global conveyor belts.
5 . Harmful bacterial growth and the contamination of seafood.
III . Sea level rise
1 . An increase in sea-surface temperature leads to thermal expansion of water and it melts glaciers leading to rising sea levels. As per the various reports, most sea islands are at risk of submergence due to the rise of sea level.
2 . More frequent or intense coastal flooding
3 . Enhanced coastal erosion
4 . Loss and change of coastal ecosystems
5 . Salinisation of soils, ground and surface wate
6 . Impeded drainage.
Must read: High-altitude environmental hazards
