The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, President Kang Do-hyung) said that the average sea surface temperature in the East Sea from March to May this year recorded 10.0℃, which is 1.8℃ higher than the average (1991 to 2020). This is the first time the spring sea temperature has hit a two-digit figure, and is the highest level recorded in the last 40 years (1981 to 2023).

While the average spring surface temperature of the East Sea rose by 0.6℃ over 30 years (from 7.7℃ in the 1980s to 8.3℃ in the 2010s), it has climbed by 1℃ over the past three years since 2021 (from 9.0℃ in 2021 to 9.4℃ in 2022 and 10.0℃ in 2023).

Such rapid rise in sea surface temperature in the East Sea in spring is an atmospheric response to global warming and the decreased thaw in the Kara Sea and Barents Sea, which are extensions of the Arctic Ocean north of Russia, and is presumed to be caused by strong high pressure and temperature trends in the surface layers of the seas surrounding Korea.

According to related research,※ change in Arctic warming usually raises the East Sea surface temperature in early summer; this year, however, the impact was observed in spring as well. This suggests that global warming is accelerating and could lead to a steeper rise in the temperature of the East Sea this summer, thus requiring continued monitoring and preparation.

※ Journal of Climate, August 2022 (thesis title: Significant relationship between Arctic warming and East Asia hot summers, authors: Da-Seul Kim, Sang-Yoon Jun, Myong-In Lee, Jong-Seong Kug)

This research result is from the analysis of the Ocean Climate Prediction Center (OCPC) of KIOST, based on the daily average sea surface temperatures provided by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The center publishes seasonal ocean climate predictions spanning three months and analyses of monthly maritime climate indicators. Those who are interested in ocean climate may visit the OCPC website (http://www.ocpc.kr).

President Kang Do-hyung said, “Due to accelerating global warming, the ocean environment and ecosystem surrounding Korea are at risk, and it is necessary to observe the conditions of the ocean continuously for the safety and health of the people. Going forward, the OCPC will provide periodic analysis and prediction information regarding the conditions and trends of seas across the world as well as the seas surrounding Korea.”