Context: Ocean surface waves caused by tropical cyclones have increased over time as per the research published in the journal Nature Communications.
Study on Tropical Cyclone Ocean Surface Waves
- The study, led by Jian Shi, Hohai University, China, looked at the global trend analysis of tropical cyclone waves for 1979-2022 based on the ERA5 wave reanalysis.
- The researchers analyzed 43 years of data on global trends in the ocean surface waves induced by tropical cyclone (TC) waves.
About ERA5
- ERA5 is the fifth generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’ atmospheric reanalysis of the global climate, covering the period from January 1940 to present.
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Key Findings of Study
- Increased Footprint: The maximum height and area of the wave footprint have increased significantly by about 3 percent per decade and 6 percent per decade, respectively.
- Regional Impact: The fastest-increasing rates of wave footprint (17-32 percent per decade) were in the North Atlantic, eastern Pacific and North Indian Ocean.
- Wave Energy: According to the researchers, the rise in wave area is the primary cause of the trend of rising global wave energy.
- Wave Height: All ocean basins show a significant long-term increase in the maximum wave height, with the largest increase of 5 percent per decade in the North Atlantic.
- Economic Impact: Intense tropical cyclones can slow down the economic development of a country and India’s long-term economic damages from tropical cyclones are expected to range from $43-47 per tonne of carbon dioxide
What are Ocean Surface Waves?
- Ocean surface waves are ripples or disturbances that travel along the ocean’s surface.
- Causes: They are usually caused by turbulence on the ocean surface by wind, earthquake, cyclone and tsunami.
Hazards of Ocean Surface Waves
- Increased coastal erosion: The larger and more energetic waves due to TC erode coastlines.
- More frequent and severe flooding: The storm surges caused by these waves can inundate coastal areas, causing widespread flooding and damage.
- Disruption of marine ecosystems: It can damage coral reefs and other marine habitats.
- Navigation hazards: The high waves make navigating dangerous for ships, disrupting the global supply chain.
- Change in Circulation Pattern: Due to the increase in ocean turbulence, they cause heat transfer from the surface to waters nearly 300 metres down, potentially altering the broader ocean circulation patterns.
- Example: The fastest-increasing rates of wave footprint (17-32 percent per decade) were in the North Atlantic, eastern Pacific and North Indian Ocean.
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About Tropical Cyclone
- A Tropical Cyclone is a warm-core low-pressure system that develops over tropical or subtropical waters and has an organized circulation.
- It is energized by the release of latent heat on account of the condensation of moisture that the wind gathers after moving over the oceans and seas.
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To Read More: Tropical Cyclones
News Source: DTE
January 10, 2024