Japan's Meteorological Agency Confirms Gradual Warming of Ocean

Average annual water temperature in the ocean down to a depth of 700 meters
Copyright Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported on February 13, 2012, that the temperature of the ocean, down to a depth of 700 meters, has been increasing over the past 50 years and the global average rate of increase was 0.02 degree Celcius per decade. This study was made by analyzing water temperature data collected from oceanographic observations from 1950 to 2011.

JMA has reported on the long-term increase in sea surface temperatures. The decades-long warming of the ocean's interior, evidenced by its new study, suggests, however, that heat is also accumulating in the upper 700 meters of the ocean. The increase in deeper water temperature could be attributed to the downward conduction or transfer of surface heat, which has been intensified by global warming and natural variability on various time scales.

Ocean warming results in higher sea levels due to the thermal expansion According to satellite altimetry data between 1993 and 2010, the sea level rose at a rate of 2.95 millimeters per year, and thermal expansion of the ocean down to a depth of 700 meters is thought to be responsible for one third of this elevation. 



JMA plans to update its analysis results annually.

Posted: 2012/05/23 06:00:15 AM