Record Sea Temperatures Threaten the Stability of the Oceans

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) released a recent report on the temperatures levels of the seas from this past July to reveal a record breaking high that has scientists concerned.

The previous high mark for the temperature of the surface waters of the world's oceans was last set in 1998 but this year's temperatures for the month of July were at an all time high. With the recent increase of global warming and its resulting climate change, these findings may not come as any surprise to many. The increase in temperature, which places the land temperatures as the ninth hottest for July on record and the sea temperatures at the highest levels ever for the month of July shows a clear increase since surface temperatures of the Earth have been recorded since 1880 with a rise in surface water temperatures up to 62.56 F (16.63 C).

The statistics for the month of June also revealed a record high for that month as well. As would be expected, the rising temperatures also mean a steadily melting ice cap. The level of ice coverage for the Arctic has decreased by a total of 12.7 percent since the numbers recorded in studies from 1997 to 2000.

The combined totals can interfere with eco-systems and habitats across the globe from the home of the polar bears to the Great Barrier Reef. But because so much of the ocean's ecosystem exists in a very fragile balance, these changes can be deadly. Coral reefs for example, experience a process known as bleaching which strips coral of its color and ultimately kills the coral. Since coral reefs are not only living organisms but are also entire ecosystems, the loss of coral also means the loss of a habitat for hundreds of other species. If temperatures continue to rise, the collapse of the oceans ecosystems will be inevitable. Without healthy, thriving oceans which provides a majority of the Earth's oxygen, the entire planet will suffer.

Human health and economy is also impacted as disease spreads and crops are impacted. Such trends will continue to create a more inhospitable environment for Earth's inhabitants if serious efforts are not made to reduce and reverse the damage that we have caused which has lead to global warming.