New research links El Niño weather patterns to Great Barrier Reef risks
Researchers at Monash University and the University of Reading published new findings on how El Niño conditions threaten Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Atmospheric patterns create heating zones
Scientists identified a complex mix of atmospheric systems that combine to harm coral reefs. Sea-surface temperatures in the Coral Sea often rise during periods known as doldrums. These conditions feature weak winds and reduced cloud cover which allow the ocean to heat up.
El Niño intensifies the danger
The current strong El Niño event increases the likelihood of marine heat waves occurring in the Pacific Ocean. When these doldrums persist for longer durations, rapid temperature increases can lead to coral bleaching. This research was conducted by Dr Lara Richards while she worked at Monash University.
Study published in journal
The paper appears in the journal Weather and Climate Dynamics after analysis of weather data. Dr Richards noted that understanding why doldrums form helps explain rapid temperature spikes. The study highlights how distant weather systems interact to create a recipe fatal for coral.
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