The Mediterranean Sea is an important body of water situated between Europe and Africa, having a surface area of 982,000 square km. It is very much a part of the world’s cultural and regional identity, as it provides medium of transportation and trade, recreation, and resource exchange. The Mediterranean Sea is also a tourist destination because of its warm, sunny climate and long beaches. Mediterranean Sea is a semi-enclosed sea and it’s salinity is generally higher compared to other bodies of water. But what is the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea?
The answer is that the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea fluctuates depending on its location and depth. Generally, the surface of the Mediterranean Sea is warm, especially during the summer, with temperatures usually reaching 25-29 °C in the central and eastern parts, and 17-24 °C in the western part. The temperature of the life-giving waters, however, varies greatly depending on the season and location, from 5°C (41°F) average all the way up to 26°C (79°F). The temperature of the shallow waters in the Mediterranean Sea is also affected by local weather and air conditions, leading to even more fluctuations in the water temperature.
The temperature of the deeper waters in the Mediterranean Sea also differ from the surface temperatures. The deeper waters, which form the bulk of the Mediterranean Sea, form a thermocline layer under the surface and the temperature range can be as much as 10-20 °C cooler near the bottom of the sea. The thermocline layer is characterized by a rapid decrease of the temperature with depth – usually just a few meters deep. This layer also maintains a stratification of the water temperature, which helps to maintain the salinity of the Mediterranean Sea.
Experts in the field have highlighted the importance of understanding the fluctuations in water temperatures in order to understand the diverse marine life of the Mediterranean Sea. “Water temperature is a major factor influencing marine life in the Mediterranean Sea. High water temperatures can cause stress to animals, such as coral reefs, which can lead to reduced growth and reproduction. On the other hand, cooler temperatures can decrease the metabolic rate of organisms, which can cause carbon dioxide to be stored instead of being released into the atmosphere”.
Climate change has also impacted the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea. The overall temperature of the Mediterranean Sea has been increasing in recent years, due to increasing air and water temperatures. According to Dr. Lucien Georgeson, a marine biologist at the University of Manchester, “the Mediterranean Sea is expected to continue warming up to 3.2°C after the year 2100, while the sea surface temperatures are projected to reach maximal temperatures of 29.7°C”. This trend will have a dramatic effect on the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea, as increased temperatures can have a negative impact on coral reefs, phytoplankton, and other marine life. Additionally, increased temperatures can lead to increased evaporation of the Mediterranean Sea and can also affect the weather patterns of the region.
Impact of Increasing Sea Temperature
Increasing temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea have had a detrimental effect on the biodiversity of the sea. One of the most affected species is the Mediterranean Sea turtle, whose nesting areas have been greatly reduced due to climate change. Another species that has been affected is the Mediterranean monk seal, a critically-endangered species of seal. Warmer temperatures have caused the species to move further away from the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in a population decline. Additionally, warming waters can also cause ocean acidification, leading to decreased reproductive success and mortality in marine species.
Solutions to Adapt To Increasing Sea Temperature
What can be done to adapt to the increasing sea temperatures? One of the most important steps is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. This can be done by reducing the use of fossil fuels and relying more on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Additionally, it is important to practice sustainable fishing in order to reduce the stress on marine species. Additionally, sustainable practices such as reducing plastic waste and protecting marine habitats can also help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Effect of Warmer Aegean’s Sea on European Economy
The Mediterranean Sea is an important economic resource for Europe, providing a source of food, recreation and transportation. The warmer temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea in recent years have caused the sea to become more productive, leading to a booming seafood industry in the Aegean region of Greece. Additionally, rising sea temperatures have also led to more abundant marine life, which has provided opportunities for tourism and recreation.
Future of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea will continue to face the effects of climate change, such as increased temperatures, increased evaporation, and ocean acidification. It is important to take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, adaptation measures such as sustainable fishing, protection of marine habitats and reducing plastic waste can help to mitigate the effects of rising sea temperatures. The future of the Mediterranean Sea relies on human action and it is up to us to ensure its longevity.
