Recent research has revealed that the world’s oceans are warming in distinct bands circling the globe. These warming zones have significant implications for weather patterns and marine ecosystems.

• The Study’s Findings
• • The research analyzed unprecedented volumes of atmospheric and ocean data across 1-degree latitude strips to a depth of 2000 meters.
• • The data spanned the years 2000 to 2023.

The research team discovered the fastest warming occurs in a band at 40-45 degrees south latitude, particularly pronounced around New Zealand, Tasmania, and Atlantic waters east of Argentina. A second significant warming band exists at approximately 40 degrees north, most notably east of Japan and the United States.

“Despite what Donald Trump thinks, the climate is changing because of the build-up of greenhouse gases, and most of the extra heat ends up in the ocean,” says Dr. Kevin Trenberth of the University of Auckland and the National Center of Atmospheric Research.

“However, the results are by no means uniform, as this research shows. Natural variability is likely also at play,”

Surprisingly, the subtropics near 20 degrees latitude show little warming in both hemispheres. “What is unusual is the absence of warming in the subtropics, near 20 degrees latitude, in both hemispheres,” notes Trenberth.

Heat Bands and Atmospheric Circulation

The researchers linked these heat bands to poleward shifts in the jet stream—powerful west-to-east winds above Earth’s surface—and corresponding changes in ocean currents. These atmospheric circulation changes alter both surface heat exchange and the transport of heat within the oceans.

• Heat Transport and Surface Exchange
• • The jet stream’s poleward shift affects surface heat exchange between the oceans and atmosphere.
• • Ocean currents play a crucial role in the transport of heat within the oceans.

The study estimates that by 2040, annual satellite reentry emissions could reach 10,000 metric tons, conservative compared to some projections.

The Implications

Ocean heating carries significant consequences, disrupting marine ecosystems, increasing atmospheric water vapor (a potent greenhouse gas), and fueling extreme weather events. The findings highlight that while climate change manifests globally, its effects are distributed unevenly, creating complex patterns that will shape regional climate futures in different ways across the planet.

While the tropical regions from 10 degrees north to 20 degrees south also show considerable warming, the pattern is less distinct due to variations caused by El Niño-Southern Oscillation.

The research team included Lijing Cheng and Yuying Pan from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, John Fasullo from NCAR, and Michael Mayer representing both the University of Vienna and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

“Despite what Donald Trump thinks, the climate is changing because of the build-up of greenhouse gases, and most of the extra heat ends up in the ocean,” says Dr. Kevin Trenberth. “However, the results are by no means uniform, as this research shows.