[Coral-List] Coral Bleaching Warning for Guam

[Gang Liu]

Coral Bleaching Warning for Guam
----------------------------------

A coral bleaching warning was issued by us (CRW) in early September for
Guam when the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) at Guam was approaching the
bleaching threshold. Now we see that the thermal stress has continued to
develop in the region.

This event of anomalously high SSTs has been developing over a large
area of the Northwest Pacific Ocean since early July.
http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/PSB/EPS/SST/climohot.html

Since early September, SST at Guam has been staying at the level of the
bleaching threshold except during a short period of slightly lower
temperatures during the middle of September
(http://orbit-net.nesdis.noaa.gov/orad/sub/sst_series_guam_cur.html)
and Degree Heating Week (DHW) values at Guam has now reached 2.0
(http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/PSB/EPS/SST/data2/dhwp.9.27.2003.gif).

Bleaching is most likely already present at Guam. Even higher DHW values
(4 to 6) appear around the northern end of the Northern Mariana island
chain and more severe bleaching is expected in that area.

Any feedback you can provide is useful: both bleaching or non-bleaching
observations, are welcome. Please send the feedback to Alan Strong
(Alan.E.Strong at noaa.gov) and/or Gang Liu (Gang.Liu at noaa.gov)


Coral Reef Watch Project
http://orbit-net.nesdis.noaa.gov/orad/coral_bleaching_index.html

September 29, 2003



--
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 Gang Liu, Ph.D.
 Senior Research Scientist/Oceanographer
 (Decision Systems Technologies, Inc.)
 NOAA Coral Reef Watch Program
 NOAA/NESDIS/ORA E/RA31
 SSMC1, #5307
 1335 East-West Highway
 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226

 Tel: 301-713-9386 ext 131
 Fax: 301-713-3136
 Email: Gang.Liu at noaa.gov
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