Researchers observe the arrival of El Niño in Monterey Bay
For more than 30 years, MBARI technology has recorded real-time data about Monterey Bay, from oceanographic conditions at the surface to biological surveys in the depths of Monterey Canyon. These data are integral to understanding our changing ocean and underpin the institute's efforts to monitor the impacts of the incoming El Niño, which has been predicted to be among the strongest since the…
Researchers have observed the arrival of the El Niño weather pattern in Monterey Bay, according to MBARI scientists. This is the strongest El Niño forecasted in over four decades, with temperatures in the bay reaching levels not seen since 1997. MBARI technology has been monitoring Monterey Bay for over three decades, collecting real-time data on oceanographic conditions and biological surveys.
Over the past month, MBARI researchers detected the first signs of an extreme El Niño event affecting the bay. MBARI moorings have recorded a strong influx of warm water at depth, while recent expeditions have observed warm-water species typically found farther south. The 2026-27 El Niño has been forecast as one of the strongest in modern oceanography, with temperatures in the bay reaching 7 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. This warming has raised sea levels by 16 centimeters, affecting marine ecosystems.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
