Ocean waters off California's coast are warming, particularly in Southern California. An unprecedented marine heatwave affected the West Coast in recent years, leading to significant ecological disruptions. The warming trend is a result of various factors, including climate change and natural oceanic processes.
During normal conditions in the Pacific Ocean, trade winds blow west along the equator, taking warm water from South America towards Asia. However, changes in global climate patterns have led to alterations in these trade winds, causing disruptions in ocean temperatures along the West Coast of the United States.
The 2021 summer upwelling season off the United States Pacific Northwest coast was unusually strong, leading to widespread near-bottom hypoxia events. These events have severe consequences for marine life, disrupting ecosystems and impacting fisheries in the region.
The West Coast may boast larger waves, but the East Coast makes up for smaller waves with increased consistency. Surfers and ocean enthusiasts flock to both coasts for their unique surfing conditions, with each offering its own set of challenges and rewards.
Satellite images show the strong Pineapple Express atmospheric river as it barrels from the Pacific Ocean toward the West Coast. This atmospheric river can bring heavy rainfall and storms to the region, impacting coastal communities and ecosystems.
Explore the dynamic landscape of coastal cities in the United States for 2024, spanning the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, and beyond. These cities are facing increasing challenges due to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and other impacts of climate change.
By Lisa Baertlein LOS ANGELES, Feb 14 (Reuters) – West Coast ports are seeing minimal impact from militant attacks and drought that are affecting global trade. The resilience of these ports is crucial for maintaining the flow of goods and services to and from the United States.
Masses of ephemeral organisms known as 'by-the-wind sailors' wash up in a 'blue tide' on the West Coast most years but warmer winter seas have increased the frequency of these events. This phenomenon is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of ocean ecosystems and the impacts of climate change.
