Winds and Waves Winding Down: A Red Sea Ecosystem in Flux

A new study by KAUST researchers reveals that wind intensities and wave heights in the Red Sea have been decreasing over the past three decades, potentially signaling significant impacts on its ecosystem.

By simulating wind and wave patterns from 1985 to 2015 using computer models, the team found that both wind speeds and wave heights have been steadily declining. This trend, most noticeable in the northern Red Sea, suggests that reduced storm activity in the Mediterranean has led to a decrease in wind and wave intensities. The drop is less pronounced in the southern Red Sea but still present, likely due to changes in the monsoon-related winds.

Wind and waves in the region play a vital role in ocean circulation and ecosystem health, with particular importance for deep-water mass formation in the northern Red Sea. These episodic events are crucial for ventilating the waters, influencing circulation and the ecosystem. The decreasing wind and wave intensities could disrupt this process, potentially leading to long-term consequences.

“This study is the first to report such trends in the Red Sea region, and the implications for the region's atmospheric and oceanic systems, as well as its ecosystem, are significant,” says KAUST’s Ibrahim Hoteit.

The team is now working on the Virtual Red Sea project with international collaborators to develop tools for short- and long-term forecasting and study further impacts of climate change on the Red Sea ecosystem.

🔗 Read more on KAUST Discovery

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