TENERIFE’S SEA WATER TEMPERATURE

Tenerife’s sea water temperature is a barometer that tells us about the current climatic conditions on Earth.

Do you belong to the group of people who immediately and unquestioningly dive into the ocean or are you more cautious and let your body acclimatise to the sea water temperature carefully? Regardless of which group you belong to, you have also noticed that the sea water temperature is currently very pleasant and most importantly, warmer than other years. This impression is justified, as the waters around the Canary Islands have become significantly warmer.

Seawater temperatures are influenced by a complex interplay of natural factors, including climate, solar radiation, ocean currents and seasonality. These factors can vary but are consistently present in the Canary archipelago.
According to data from the Institute of Oceanography and Global Change (IOCAG), the water was around 21ºC in the summer of 2020, but already rose to 24ºC in the summer of 2023.

Why?

Canary Islands water has its own temperature cycle, explains Beatriz Fernández, researcher in the IOCAG’s Biological Oceanography group. The water temperature drops in after the winter period to plusminus 18 ºC. From summer onwards, the temperature begins to rise and reaches its maximum in November, before dropping again. This is a usual cycle, but due to climate change, ocean water is getting warmer, so this cycle has changed.

Besides, the surface temperature of all oceans is increasing and due to climate change, they are likely to keep rising.

The data collected shows the change in temperatures over the past three years. The water in the summer of 2020 was 21 ºC and rose to 23 ºC in the autumn, a normal rise if cycles are taken into account. In summer 2021, however, it was 23 ºC and 24 ºC in autumn. In 2023, it rose to 24 ºC in the summer months and it – at the end of September – around 25.5 ºC.

Consequences

This change in temperatures could lead to a range of consequences. One example we have seen this summer in the Canary Islands is the increase in microalgae. As temperatures rise, they bloom more easily and last longer. As a result, the lives of some fish species may be threatened.

Cephalopods, such as octopus and squid, and tuna may migrate to locations with lower temperatures as a result. The migration of fish populations from their usual habitat may affect local fisheries. On the other hand, there will be populations that cannot adapt and will therefore become extinct.

Stratification

Rising temperatures can also affect the classical movements of the water layers that make up the ocean. The surface layer and the deep layer mix, creating harmony as nutrients and oxygen move around. When the temperature increases, there is a big difference between the layers, creating an effect similar to when water and oil are mixed together.

This effect, according to the expert, is called stratification. If there is no mixing between the layers, it can be harmful and kill marine ecosystems. Warming also changes the acidity (pH) of seawater.

Solution

Scientists and researchers stress that ocean water temperatures will continue to rise as long as nothing is done to address climate change.

Addressing ocean warming requires cooperation at a global level and the commitment of governments, scientists, businesses and individuals. It is a complex problem that cannot be solved easily, but with coordinated efforts, we can restore and preserve the health of the oceans for future generations.