Rising Global Temperatures Amplify Ocean Wave Intensity, Seismic Data Reveals

Seismic data collected over the past four decades shows that ocean waves are gaining strength and intensity as a result of global warming. The increase in wave energy coincides with rising global temperatures and storminess. Seismographic networks have observed the steady thrum created by storm-driven ocean waves, known as the global microseism. The study found that 79% of seismograph sites around the world showed significant and progressive increases in energy over the decades. The intensification of ocean waves poses a coastal warning, as it can lead to damaging waves, erosion, and infrastructure damage. Mitigating climate change and building resilience in coastal areas are crucial in addressing these impacts.