World’s Lakes Are Warming Faster Than The Oceans

The world's lakes are warming, so scientists are looking to collect comprehensive data with buoy-based monitoring systems, satellites and more. (Credit: LimnoTech)

Using more than 25 years of satellite temperature data and ground measurements from 235 lakes spanning six continents, researchers have found a disturbing trend for our planet’s lakes. On average, freshwater lakes appear to be warming faster than the world’s oceans, according to a release from NASA.

The rate of warming was found to be about 0.61 degrees Fahrenheit per decade and scientists say that the warming could have profound effects. These include projected increases in the occurrence of algal blooms by 20 percent in the next century. Of those, blooms that are toxic to animals and fish will likely go up by 5 percent. In addition to those, emissions of methane may also go up as warming rates continue.

Researchers note that temperature changes can also affect the types of life forms living in water bodies, driving some out of existence. The rise in freshwater warming is also important for human uses, covering those in manufacturing, energy production and crop irrigation.

Top image: The world’s lakes are warming, so scientists are looking to collect comprehensive data with buoy-based monitoring systems, satellites and more. (Credit: LimnoTech)