New research indicates that ocean temperatures in the Fijian archipelago have reached their highest levels in 653 years. The study, led by Jens Zinke, a Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Leicester, involved an international team of earth and climate scientists.
Zinke explained that corals record the chemical makeup of the surrounding ocean in their skeletons over time, essentially serving as living temperature sensors. By comparing their findings with historical instrumental data, the researchers discovered unprecedented warmth in recent years, highlighting the effects of ongoing global warming on Pacific climate dynamics.
The study reveals that the current ocean temperatures in Fiji are the warmest they have been in over six centuries. The team warns that the ongoing warming in the western and central Pacific may have negative consequences for the ecosystems and nations of Pacific Islands.
According to the researchers, human activities since the late 19th century have contributed to rising ocean temperatures, leading to marine heatwaves that threaten coastal ecosystems. Their work provides new insights into the temperature trends across the tropical and subtropical Pacific Oceans over the last six centuries.
Furthermore, the recent simultaneous warming in these regions has resulted in reduced temperature gradients, which may significantly affect the climate of Pacific Island nations and the surrounding Indo-Pacific area, altering drought and flood patterns.