What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?

Sea Surface Temperature Rise

Sea surface temperature (SST) rise refers to the increase in the temperature of the ocean's surface layer, primarily due to climate change. This phenomenon is driven by greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming.

- Impact on Tropical Cyclones:

- Increased Intensity: Warmer SSTs provide more energy, resulting in stronger tropical cyclones. For instance, hurricanes like Harvey (2017) intensified rapidly due to elevated SSTs.

- Extended Season: Higher temperatures can prolong the cyclone season, allowing storms to form earlier and last longer.

- Geographical Shift: Regions previously unaffected may experience cyclones, altering risk patterns globally.

Research indicates that for every 1°C rise in SST, the potential for cyclone intensity increases significantly, leading to more destructive storms (Kossin et al., 2020). Understanding SST rise is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of tropical cyclones on communities and ecosystems.

References: Kossin, J. P., et al. (2020). Nature.