A recent scientific study has revealed record increases in ocean and sea levels surrounding the African continent, including the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, over the past few years. These increases surpass the global average, raising concerns among scientists about their impact on densely populated coastal regions.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Department of Ocean Sciences at the University of Cape Town, was published in the journal "Communications Earth & Environment" and relied on satellite data analysis spanning over three decades, from 1993 to 2024. The results showed that regional sea surface levels have risen by approximately 11.26 centimeters, at a rate faster than the global average.
Event Details
According to the data, the El Niño phenomenon, a natural climatic disturbance characterized by unusual increases in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has led to a sea level rise of 27 mm in 2023 and 2024, marking the highest figure ever recorded. This increase surpasses the standard anomaly that occurred in 1997 and 1998, which was about 19 mm.
Frank Gomsie, the lead researcher of the study, states that other climatic conditions were conducive to reaching this record level, as the El Niño phenomenon coincided with three other climatic events, resulting in the suppression of cold water rises and an increase in ocean heat content.
Background & Context
Historically, sea levels in the region have experienced continuous rises, but the current study indicates a critical turning point that occurred in 2009, when the rate of sea level rise accelerated by 73%, jumping from 2.72 to 4.70 mm annually. The period from 2023 to 2024 alone contributed approximately 20% of the total rise recorded since 1993.
The data indicates that the Mediterranean Sea has risen at an average rate of 3.42 millimeters annually, with a notable acceleration in the eastern part, particularly near the Egyptian coast, where increases have exceeded 4 millimeters annually.
Impact & Consequences
The rise in sea and ocean levels around Africa's coasts threatens the lives of over 15 million people. The current situation requires significant investments in establishing tide measurement networks, as Africa suffers from weak monitoring systems.
Urban planning for coastal cities must take these unexpected rises into account, rather than relying on historical averages. Recent climatic events are not isolated; they represent a glimpse into a new climatic system that requires an urgent response.
Regional Significance
The Nile Delta is considered one of the most vulnerable areas, facing a dual threat from rising sea levels and land subsidence. Additionally, the Red Sea is experiencing increasing marine heatwaves that threaten coral reef ecosystems and coastal communities.
In conclusion, the current situation demands immediate responses from governments and local communities to adapt to these rapid climatic changes, ensuring the safety of populations and the sustainability of the marine environment.