North Atlantic Ecosystems Still Affected by 2003 Marine Heat Wave
• The 2003 marine heat wave in the North Atlantic continues to impact ocean ecosystems.
• Weakened subpolar gyre allowed warm subtropical waters into the Norwegian Sea, decreasing sea ice and increasing sea surface temperatures.
• Ecological reorganization includes a decline in cold-water species and expansion of warm-water species, linked to human-induced climate change.
Lasting effects of 2003 marine heatwave
The North Atlantic Ocean is still experiencing the long-term consequences of a major marine heat wave that took place in 2003. ScienceAlert reported that this event caused widespread ecological changes, significantly affecting species from tiny protists to large whales.
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