Ocean Currents and Coral Reefs: The Alarming ‘Mass Extinction’ Prediction by 2023

Coral reefs are facing a “mass extinction” due to changing ocean currents causing widespread bleaching, according to a study published in the journal Oxford Open Climate Change. The study predicts that major coral reefs around the world will experience serious bleaching by 2023 as a result of climate change altering ocean circulation patterns. This understanding helps scientists better comprehend bleaching events and develop strategies to prevent them.

The study highlights that coral reefs, the most vulnerable ecosystems, have been bleaching and experiencing deaths due to high temperatures since the 1980s. The survival of corals is at risk, with many already dying off and the remaining individuals unable to tolerate further temperature increases. The impacts of global warming are exacerbating the condition of coral reefs, with changes in ocean circulation intensifying the effects.

Extreme temperatures globally are the primary cause of coral bleaching, where corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white. While bleaching alone does not kill corals, it weakens their health and increases the likelihood of death. The study focuses on the year 2023, projected to be the hottest ever recorded, pinpointing it as a critical period for coral bleaching in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The research identifies coral reef bleaching hotspots in regions such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Islands, where severe mortality has already occurred. The study also highlights the acceleration of warm water currents, exacerbating warm temperatures in tropical regions and causing heat buildup in polar regions. The potential mass extinction of coral reefs is alarming, given their vital role in the ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife, protecting coastlines