AUTHOR=Ding Wenxiang , Wu Qiong , Chen Yongxin 

TITLE=Trends of maximum annual sea surface temperature in the Eastern China Seas

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1452125

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2024.1452125

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=<p>The increasing ocean warming due to climate change significantly threatens regional marine ecosystems by raising the frequency and severity of extreme temperature events. This study examines patterns and trends of maximum annual sea surface temperature (T<sub>max</sub>) in the Eastern China Seas from 1985 to 2022. The results show a significant warming trend in T<sub>max</sub>, exceeding the global average, with notable differences between southern and northern regions. The northern T<sub>max</sub> warming rate is faster, with occurrence times significantly advancing, while the southern T<sub>max</sub> warming rate is slower, with occurrence times significantly delayed. The southern T<sub>max</sub> and its timing are closely correlated with the annual maximum air temperature and its timing. In the north, T<sub>max</sub> timing is influenced by latent heat flux (Q<sub>LH</sub>); a significant increase in August Q<sub>LH</sub> inhibits the continued rise of SST, causing T<sub>max</sub> to advance. The study also highlights a significant increase in marine heatwaves at T<sub>max</sub> timing, with higher T<sub>max</sub> indicating a higher occurrence probability. By elucidating these T<sub>max</sub> trends and dynamics, our study enhances understanding of regional climate impacts, supporting targeted conservation efforts and adaptive ecosystem management strategies in the Eastern China Seas.</p>