Image for ocean heat content

ocean heat content

Ocean heat content refers to the amount of heat stored within the world's oceans. It measures how much energy the oceans hold, which affects global climate, weather patterns, and sea levels. Oceans absorb about 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gases, acting as a climate buffer. When ocean heat content increases, it means the oceans are warming, leading to consequences like stronger storms, coral bleaching, and ice melt from ice sheets and glaciers. Monitoring ocean heat content is essential for understanding climate change and predicting future environmental impacts.