Yes, ocean waters off California's coast are indeed getting warmer, with this trend being particularly noticeable in Southern California.
Evidence of Warming
Observations confirm a consistent rise in temperatures along California's coastline. A significant example of this warming trend was an unprecedented marine heatwave that impacted the entire West Coast of the United States from 2014 to 2016. Such events highlight the substantial changes occurring in the region's ocean environment.
The Broader Context of Ocean Warming
The warming observed off California is part of a larger global phenomenon. Oceans play a critical role in regulating Earth's climate system by absorbing excess heat. Over the last 50 years, oceans have absorbed approximately 90 percent of the Earth's increased heat energy. This immense capacity to store heat directly contributes to rising ocean temperatures worldwide, including along the California coast.
This absorption of heat energy has profound implications for marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and weather patterns, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing the causes of ocean warming.
