17 - Increase in Water Temperature

17 Rising Water Temperature
Set 3 www.climatefresk.org 17 Oceans absorb 91% of the energy accumulated on Earth. The water temperature has therefore increased, especially close to the surface. Water expands as it warms.

1
Cause

Energy Budget

Energy Budget


4
Consequences

Disruption of the Water Cycle

Increase in Water Temperature


Sea Level Rise

Increase in Water Temperature


Marine Biodiversity

Increase in Water Temperature


Hurricanes

Increase in Water Temperature


1
Wrong consequence

Ocean Acidification

Increase in Water Temperature

The increase of water temperature is not linked to ocean acidification, at least for the time being. In the long term (over several centuries), as it heats up, the water will lose its capacity to dissolve atmospheric CO2 and will become less efficient as a carbon sink. So the increase in water temperature will inhibit, to some extent, ocean acidification.
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