Temperature drop in the Mediterranean: Upwelling causes a 10°C drop!

Temperature drop in the Mediterranean: Upwelling causes a 10°C drop!

Summer temperatures are in full swing, and while many vacationers are enjoying the sun on the Côte d'Azur, there are some winding waterways that are making a splash. Current reports show that water temperatures in the Mediterranean region have dropped sharply in some cases. A cooling of up to 10 °C was recently observed on the French coasts, especially between Sète and Toulon. This fascinating phenomenon is known by the fancy name “upwelling,” where cooler, nutrient-rich waters come from the depths to the surface and replace warm surface waters. This typically occurs through the influence of wind, such as the powerful Tramontane and Mistral, which last occurred on July 6, battling a severe Mediterranean heatwave.

meteorologistAnge Noiretexplains that this cooling is not only a welcome refreshment for sweating tourists, but is also beneficial for the marine life. The influx of nutrient-rich water promotes the growth of phytoplankton, which is vital for many marine creatures. According to reports from TF1 The weather in France has developed positively, especially in the southeast, where holidaymakers can spend their time on the beach when the weather is nice.

Temperature differences between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean

What is particularly interesting is the fact that the water of the Atlantic Ocean is sometimes warmer than that of the Mediterranean region. This may come as a surprise, but what is happening on the coasts sends a clear message: the prevailing conditions cannot always be predicted. Current maps show the significant temperature differences and illustrate how dynamic the situation is. Almost from one day to the next, the water temperatures can drop drastically under the influence of upwelling and then stabilize again.

The changes in water temperatures are not only a seasonal phenomenon, but also a response to longer-term climatic influences. The Federal Environment Agency highlights that the mean annual surface temperature of the North Sea has increased continuously since 1969. In the context of global warming, higher temperatures in the oceans are a worrying development. If one were to put aside the horror narratives of recent years, the signs are clear: high sea temperatures are not only a sign of summer refreshment, but also of health risks, the decline in biodiversity and a multitude of ecological challenges.

The impact on marine ecosystems

Looking at current developments, it is clear that the warmth in the seas not only increases bathing pleasure, but also influences the marine ecosystem. High temperatures can lead to health risks for bathers, for example due to increased Vibrio concentrations. In addition, factors such as eutrophication caused by nutrient inputs from rivers influence marine biodiversity. This is an issue that is currently important to fishermen and conservationists, as changes in water conditions have a direct impact on fish stocks.

Given the growing challenges associated with climate change, one can only hope that cooling through upwelling continues to act as part of the ocean's natural cycle, benefiting both ecosystems and vacationers.