Tracking sea surface temperatures, sea level rise, ocean acidification, Arctic/Antarctic ice extent, and coral reef health across all major ocean basins.
Sea Level & Ice
Measured via satellite altimetry (TOPEX, Jason-1/2/3, Sentinel-6). Rate has accelerated from 2.3mm/yr (1993) to 3.7mm/yr (2024). Antarctic melt is the primary driver of acceleration.
Arctic sea ice volume has declined ~75% since 1979. Antarctic sea ice hit record lows in 2022–2024, challenging previous models.
Ocean pH measured at Station ALOHA, Hawaii (HOT program). A drop of 0.15 units = ~26% increase in H⁺ ion concentration. Shellfish and coral reefs are critically affected.
Fourth global mass bleaching event declared in 2024. Bleaching Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) above 8°C-weeks indicate potential mortality. Great Barrier Reef: 87% bleached northern sector.
Ocean Basin Status
| Basin | Current SST Anomaly | Status | Key Event | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Atlantic | +1.8°C | RECORD | Unprecedented hurricane fuel | ↑ Accelerating |
| Tropical Pacific | +0.4°C | ELEVATED | La Niña developing | → Neutral |
| Indian Ocean | +1.1°C | HIGH | Indian Ocean Dipole active | ↑ Rising |
| Southern Ocean | +0.7°C | ELEVATED | Record low Antarctic sea ice | ↑ Rising |
| Arctic Ocean | +2.4°C | EXTREME | Fastest warming ocean on Earth | ↑ Accelerating |