Heightened force from stormier seas and larger ocean swell in recent decades is causing bigger ripples through the Earth’s crust, with some researchers comparing the impact to that of a tiny earthquake. According to recent research, these wobbles are the result of larger wave energy increases, particularly in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study revealed that ocean wave energy across the world has been increasing at a rate of 0.27 percent per year since the 1980s, with this rate accelerating to 0.35 percent each year post-2000. The amplified wave energy tracks with rising global temperatures and the intensification of storms.
Seismologists and researchers also suggest that the planet’s increasing wave activity is a result of the growing intensity of storms, driven by rising global temperatures. The most powerful waves were found in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica due to the absence of landforms that could interrupt the waves, while the North Atlantic Ocean experienced the highest increase in wave energy over the past four decades, compared to historical levels. This increase is particularly notable given the fact that the North Atlantic region has been experiencing rapid warming and intensifying storms, such as Storm Ciarán, as well as hurricanes transitioning into powerful storms.
The implications of these intensified waves are significant, especially for coastal communities and ecosystems. The erosion impacting the coastlines and the risk of coastal flooding are potential threats posed by more extreme waves. Coastal researchers stress the need to address the implications of these findings for coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
According to the study authors and environmental researchers, the evidence of increasing wave activity is a compelling reason to develop strategies for dealing with the presence of larger waves, especially in the context of rising sea levels and coastal flooding. The findings serve as a wake-up call for the urgency of addressing coastal infrastructure and environmental conservation efforts in the face of growing wave activity.