Science Stats Oceans

Ocean heat waves are becoming more common and lasting longer

The extreme events can kill corals and kelp and throw marine ecosystems into chaos

kelp forest

SWELTERING STRANDS  In 2011, a marine heat wave off Australia’s southern coast devastated the towering kelp forests of the Great Southern Reef (shown).

Emma Flukes

By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

The world’s oceans are sweltering. Over the last century, marine heat waves have become more common and are lasting longer.