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An unwelcome visitor has returned to the waters off the Washington coast.
It was a decade ago that scientists warned us things in the North Pacific had changed dramatically. The temperature of the water had warmed to the point it dramatically impacted nutrients, and that meant sea life would also be impacted. And the phenomenon was nicknamed “The Blob.”
Zoology Professor Christopher Harley tells Global News The Blob has been detected for the past few months. What was once considered an unusual event is now happening with regularity. Temperatures in the North Pacific have increased over 4 degrees this year…creating a record-setting high.
To understand what’s bad about blob, Climate Data Scientist Doctor Paige Hoel tells when things are just right, the cold top layer of ocean water is able to better miz with lower levels, bringing nutrients, and helping aquatic life. She says that’s why the North Pacific is home to so many diverse species. But when the top layer of ocean water gets too warm, there is no mixing, and the stagnant state is bad for all involved.
This region experienced a blob 10 years ago, which lasted for a couple of years and covered most of the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Warmer ocean water impacts sea life, but it also impacts temperatures here on land. don’t expect a heat wave, just more rain. That means more mountain snow and possible better skiing conditions this winter.
Our team says that’s really the only good take-away when the blob emerges…a phenomenon that’s now happening way too often.
Hear more about “The Blob” by listening to the full piece that aired today on Northwest Newsradio.
