Ocean Heat Content (OHC) quantifies the thermal energy absorbed by the world's oceans. A key climate change indicator, OHC reflects the vast amount of excess...
OHC measures the total thermal energy stored within the ocean, primarily from absorbed solar radiation and greenhouse gas-induced warming. It indicates the amount of heat accumulated over time.
Monitoring OHC is crucial because oceans absorb over 90% of the excess heat from human activity. It's a key indicator of climate change, influencing sea-level rise, weather patterns, and marine ecosystems.
OHC is primarily measured using a global network of robotic Argo floats, which profile ocean temperature and salinity down to 2,000 meters. Satellite altimetry and historical ship data also contribute to these assessments.
Rising OHC leads to thermal expansion, contributing to sea-level rise. It also intensifies tropical storms, disrupts marine food webs, causes coral bleaching, and reduces oxygen levels in the ocean (deoxygenation).