Bleaching "Hotspots"

[astrong at nesdis.noaa.gov]

HotSpot Notes   July 21, 1998

NOAA satellite data shows "HotSpots" and related coral reef bleaching appears 
to be on the increase again, after a brief drop in intensity during the past 
month.  Ocean surface temperatures are becoming "near-critical" for potential 
bleaching in the following areas in the western hemisphere:

     - much of the Gulf of Mexico [Texas Flower Gardens?] 
     - northern Caribbean 
     - the Bahamas
     - south of Bermuda

Bleaching appears to be continuing at the following eastern hemisphere 
locations:

     - Cambodian coast -- central South China Sea -- N. Philippines
     - portions of the Red Sea 
     - areas in the southern Persian Gulf 
     - portions of eastern Mediterranean [bleaching reported off Israel]!

AES
**** <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< ******* <>< *****
Alan E. Strong
  Phys Scientist/Oceanographer                    Adj Assoc Res Professor
  NOAA/NESDIS/ORA/ORAD -- E/RA3                    US Naval Academy
  NOAA Science Center -- RM 711W                    Oceanography Department
  5200 Auth Road                                        Annapolis, MD 21402
  Camp Springs, MD 20746                              410-293-6550
        Alan.E.Strong at noaa.gov
  301-763-8102 x170    FAX: 301-763-8108
          http://manati.wwb.noaa.gov/orad