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Highest ocean heat in four centuries places Great Barrier Reef in danger

Earth Sciences

Highest ocean heat in four centuries places Great Barrier Reef in danger

B. J. Henley, H. V. Mcgregor, et al.

The Great Barrier Reef is facing unprecedented challenges from anthropogenic climate change, with the warmest Coral Sea heat extremes recorded in 400 years leading to severe coral bleaching. This urgent research conducted by Benjamin J. Henley, Helen V. McGregor, and others underscores the need for immediate action to protect this vital ecosystem.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has experienced mass coral bleaching events between 2016 and 2024 due to high sea surface temperatures (SST). This study reveals that the January–March Coral Sea heat extremes in 2024, 2017, and 2020 were the warmest in 400 years, exceeding the 95th percentile uncertainty limit of reconstructed pre-1900 maximum temperatures. Climate model analysis confirms that human influence is responsible for the rapid warming. The combination of temperature extremes, warming trends, and coral bleaching demonstrates the impact of anthropogenic climate change on the GBR. Without urgent action, the GBR faces continued near-annual bleaching, with severe ecological consequences.
Publisher
Nature
Published On
Aug 08, 2024
Authors
Benjamin J. Henley, Helen V. McGregor, Andrew D. King, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Ariella K. Arzey, David J. Karlos, Janice M. Lough, Thomas M. DeCarlo, Braddock K. Linsley
Tags
Great Barrier Reef
coral bleaching
climate change
sea surface temperatures
human influence

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