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Ecosystems Dynamics & Assessment : Current Conditions (Fall 2016)

Spring Temperature from Survey

During Spring 2016, ocean temperatures averaged warmer than normal across the Northeast US Shelf at both the surface and bottom (relative to 1977-1987). Warming was enhanced near the bottom, with anomalies exceeding 1°C throughout the Gulf of Maine and 2°C over much of the Middle Atlantic Bight. Warming at the bottom is consistent with the prevalence of anomalously warm air temperatures observed over the Northeastern US during winter this year. In addition, isolated warm anomalies along the outer shelf probably reflect the influence of shoreward intruding slope waters at these locations. Air temperatures over the region were cooler than normal beginning in April. This may explain the modulation of warming at the sea surface relative to the bottom, as sea surface temperatures respond more directly to atmospheric influences.