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A recent increase in global wave power as a consequence of oceanic warming
Borja G Reguero1,2, Iñigo J Losada3, Fernando J Méndez3
1Environmental Hydraulics Institute "IH Cantabria", Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Cantabria, Spain. borjagreguero@gmail.com.
Nature Communications
|January 16, 2019
Summary
Global wave power has increased by 0.4% annually since 1948, linked to ocean warming. This finding highlights wave power as a key indicator of climate change impacts on ocean dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Climate Science
- Coastal Processes
Background:
- Wind-generated ocean waves are critical drivers of coastal flooding and erosion.
- Ocean warming is a known factor influencing global wave patterns.
- A comprehensive, long-term analysis of climate change impacts on global wave behavior is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if global wave power exhibits a systematic, long-term trend related to climate change.
- To investigate the correlation between sea surface temperatures and global wave power.
- To establish wave power as a potential indicator of anthropogenic global warming.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical wave power data from 1948 to the present.
- Statistical correlation analysis between global wave power and sea surface temperatures.
- Examination of regional dependencies, including tropical Atlantic temperatures and high-latitude wave power.
Main Results:
- Global wave power has increased significantly, at a rate of 0.4% per year since 1948.
- A statistically significant correlation exists between rising sea surface temperatures and increased wave power.
- Specific correlations were identified, such as between tropical Atlantic temperatures and wave power in the South Atlantic.
Conclusions:
- Anthropogenic global warming, through upper-ocean warming, is demonstrably altering the global wave climate.
- The observed increase in wave power indicates a trend of strengthening ocean waves.
- Wave power emerges as a sensitive and valuable indicator for monitoring climate change effects.
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