SSC #18: Marine Heat Waves Threaten Kelp Forests by Erin Cole and May Aye

Stanford SciCast

We’re all familiar with heat waves on land, but did you know they can happen in the ocean as well? Marine heat waves, where ocean temperatures spike unusually high for a period of time, are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. They can impact a range of ecosystems, including kelp forests—beautiful, biodiverse, productive ecosystems that are often overlooked in discussions about climate change’s effect on the ocean. In this episode of the Stanford SciCast, the hosts, Erin Cole and May Aye, dive into further details of exactly how marine heat waves impact kelp forests as they learn from their two guests. Jessica Benthuysen, a world-leading physical oceanographer based at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, helps us understand the physics of marine heat waves. Fiorenza Micheli, a marine ecologist based at Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station, explains the effects of marine heat waves on kelp forests and the importance of protecting these ecosystems. To read the inspiration for this podcast topic, visit https://science-sciencemag-org.stanford.idm.oclc.org/content/367/6478/635.1. You can learn more about Dr. Micheli’s research at https://michelilab.stanford.edu/ and about Dr. Benthuysen’s research at https://www.aims.gov.au/our-people/dr-jessica-benthuysen. Image Credit: "Kelp Forest" by NOAA's National Ocean Service is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Music Credit: “Little Mermaids Tune” by Eardeer is licensed under CC BY 3.0. “Curious Process” by Podington Bear is licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. “Epiphany” by Podington Bear is licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. “Playmate” by Podington Bear is licensed under CC BY-NC 3.0. All audio clips used for educational purposes under Fair Use.