Work

Coastal marine heatwaves in the Santa Barbara Channel: decadal trends and ecological implications

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are of increasing concern due to the emerging ecological and socioeconomic impacts on coastal ecosystems. Leveraging the data of the Santa Barbara Coastal Long-Term Ecological Research project, we analyzed the MHW event metrics observed in the kelp forest ecosystem and across Santa Barbara Channel, CA, USA. Not only was there a significant positive trend in the number of MHWs recorded, their duration and intensity were also increasing over time. MHWs were detected year-round, suggesting that marine organisms have exposure risks regardless of their phenology. Exposure at one life history stage could have a legacy effect on the subsequent stages, implying little temporal refuge. In contrast, the coastal mooring data revealed that near-surface and bottom events were not necessarily coupled even at less than 15 m. Such spatial variation in MHWs might provide a temporary refuge for mobile species. These observations also highlight the importance of depth-stratified, long-term coastal monitoring to understand spatio-temporal variation in MHW stress on coastal communities.

Source: Frontiers in Marine Science

DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1476542

Authors: Kit Yu Karen Chan, Li Kui, Adriane M. McDonald, Amelia L. Ritger, Gretchen E. Hofmann

Institutions: Swarthmore College, University of Washington, University of California, Santa Barbara

Language: English

Topic: Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295