New research indicates that the oceans are rapidly warning due to climate change. Much of the data for this research comes from a system of free-floating monitors called Argo that measure the “temperature and salinity of the upper 2000 m of the ocean. This allows, for the first time, continuous monitoring of the temperature, salinity, and velocity of the upper ocean, with all data being relayed and made publicly available within hours after collection.” The Guardian summarizes some of the conclusions of the research:
“The world’s oceans are the clearest measure of the climate emergency because they absorb more than 90% of the heat trapped by the greenhouse gases emitted by fossil fuel burning, forest destruction and other human activities.
“The new analysis shows the past five years are the top five warmest years recorded in the ocean and the past 10 years are also the top 10 years on record. The amount of heat being added to the oceans is equivalent to every person on the planet running 100 microwave ovens all day and all night.
“Hotter oceans lead to more severe storms and disrupt the water cycle, meaning more floods, droughts and wildfires, as well as an inexorable rise in sea level. Higher temperatures are also harming life in the seas, with the number of marine heatwaves increasing sharply….
“The results show heat increasing at an accelerating rate as greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere. The rate from 1987 to 2019 is four and a half times faster than that from 1955 to 1986. The vast majority of oceans regions are showing an increase in thermal energy.”
CNN reports that the “world’s oceans are now heating at the same rate as if five Hiroshima atomic bombs were dropped into the water every second.” Needless to say, the warming of the oceans poses serious problems for the future of the planet.
Argo floats, 13 January 2020
World Politics News 
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