Southern Sea Temperature Rises 1.7 Degrees in 10 Years

The temperature in waters off Korea’s southern waters has risen 1.7 degrees Celsius over the past decade, resulting in a subtropical marine environment.

Accordingly, the intensity of typhoons and tidal waves is expected to strengthen and the diversity of fish stocks is predicted to increase.

After measuring water temperature in the East China Sea every other month between 2000 and 2009, the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Administration announced Friday that the sea surface temperature has increased 0.2 to 1.7 degrees Celsius over the past decade.

The temperature increased 0.2 degree in waters off Busan and 0.7 degree at the port of Moseul on the west coast of Jeju Island. A rise of 1.7 degrees was seen in waters off Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, and the northern coast of Jeju.

The water temperature also increased at a depth of 50 meters, rising 0.1 to 0.5 degree in waters 50 meters in depth nearby the port of Seongsan, Yeosu and Busan. Considering that the temperature of the earth’s sea surface has increased 0.5 degree over the past three decades, Korea has experienced a drastic increase in sea temperature.

With sea temperatures increasing at a relatively fast pace, waters in the East China Sea have provided a subtropical marine environment where warm water fish thrive. The annual average temperature stays around 18-20 degrees in a subtropical marine environment, about the same for the East China Sea.

The oceanographic agency said a subtropical sea has more thermal energy, resulting in much stronger typhoons and tidal waves.

imsoo@donga.com