A recent increase in global wave power as a consequence of oceanic warming

TLDR

Wind‑generated ocean waves drive coastal processes, and while ocean warming has been noted to affect waves, a systematic global, long‑term signal of climate change in wave behavior has not yet been established. Our analysis shows that global wave power has risen at about 0.4 % per year since 1948, correlates with sea‑surface temperatures, and indicates that upper‑ocean warming is strengthening waves, making wave power a useful climate‑change indicator.

Abstract

Wind-generated ocean waves drive important coastal processes that determine flooding and erosion. Ocean warming has been one factor affecting waves globally. Most studies have focused on studying parameters such as wave heights, but a systematic, global and long-term signal of climate change in global wave behavior remains undetermined. Here we show that the global wave power, which is the transport of the energy transferred from the wind into sea-surface motion, has increased globally (0.4% per year) and by ocean basins since 1948. We also find long-term correlations and statistical dependency with sea surface temperatures, globally and by ocean sub-basins, particularly between the tropical Atlantic temperatures and the wave power in high south latitudes, the most energetic region globally. Results indicate the upper-ocean warming, a consequence of anthropogenic global warming, is changing the global wave climate, making waves stronger. This identifies wave power as a potentially valuable climate change indicator.