A new study led by scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt has analyzed a sediment core from the Great Blue Hole in Belize, revealing that storms have steadily increased in the region over the past 5,700 years. The team extracted a 30-meter sediment core, which provided unprecedented insight into the Caribbean’s stormy past.
The study found that fine marine sediments settled largely undisturbed in the blue hole, creating layers resembling “tree rings” with alternating colors between gray-green and light green. These layers, known as “tempestites,” were distinct from finer sediments typical of fair weather storms. By analyzing these layers, researchers identified 574 storms across over 5,700 years.
The findings suggest that the dramatic increase in storms in recent decades can be attributed to warmer ocean waters due to anthropogenic climate change. A southward shift of the equatorial low-pressure zone is also a contributing factor, leading to more frequent and intense storms in the region.
The study provides insight into the natural variability of storms in the Caribbean, with historical records showing an average of four to sixteen storms per century. However, researchers predict that the 21st century could see over 45 tropical storms and hurricanes, far exceeding this natural variability. This suggests a significant increase in storm frequency and severity in the region.
The Great Blue Hole’s unique environmental conditions made it an ideal location for recording passing hurricanes and tropical storms over thousands of years. The study’s findings have significant implications for understanding the causes and consequences of climate change on global weather patterns.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a64367340/great-blue-hole-storms