Ocean Eddies Amplify Climate Extremes in Coastal Seas

New study finds intensifying eddies are reshaping major ocean currents and driving temperature swings in shelf seas

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:47pm

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A bold, abstract painting in muted tones of blue, green, and brown, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals. The composition resembles a complex scientific diagram visualizing the dynamic interplay of ocean currents, eddies, and temperature gradients.Intensifying ocean eddies are reshaping major currents and driving more extreme temperature swings in coastal seas, with significant implications for marine ecosystems.Today in Miami

A new study led by researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School has found that increasing ocean eddy activity is amplifying climate extremes in coastal seas. By analyzing high-resolution data from the Agulhas Current off the southeast coast of Africa, the researchers discovered that growing eddy activity is driving rapid surface warming alongside enhanced upwelling of cooler deep waters, creating more extreme temperature conditions in shelf seas.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that intensifying eddies may be a unifying explanation for observed changes in major ocean currents worldwide, including the Gulf Stream along the U.S. East Coast. This has significant implications for coastal ecosystems that will face increasing strain from these temperature extremes driven by eddy activity.

The details

Over a two-year period, the researchers gathered high-resolution mooring data, recording hourly measurements of velocity, temperature, and salinity throughout the entire depth and width of the Agulhas Current. They found that increasing eddy activity is reshaping the current and intensifying adjacent coastal temperature extremes. Both frontal eddies and larger meanders of the current are pumping deep, cold, nutrient-rich water up onto the shelf, while also trapping heat and salt closer to the surface farther offshore.

  • The research team gathered data over a two-year period.
  • The study's findings were published in the journal Nature Climate Change in 2026.

The players

Lisa Beal

A professor of ocean sciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and the senior author of the study.

Kathryn Gunn

A researcher at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom who collaborated with Beal on the study.

University of Miami Rosenstiel School

The institution where the foundational research for this study was conducted.

University of Southampton

The institution where Kathryn Gunn is based and where the study was advanced through sustained collaboration.

National Science Foundation

The organization that provided funding support for the research.

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What they’re saying

“More eddy activity is accelerating surface warming in the Agulhas, while simultaneously enhancing hidden upwelling that cools deeper waters. This combination—along with the onshore encroachment also driven by eddies—will create more extreme conditions in shelf seas in the future, potentially placing significant strain on coastal ecosystems.”

— Lisa Beal, Professor of ocean sciences

What’s next

The researchers suggest that further study of intensifying eddies may provide a unifying explanation for observed changes in major ocean currents worldwide, including the Gulf Stream along the U.S. East Coast.

The takeaway

This study highlights the powerful yet overlooked role that ocean eddies play in amplifying the impacts of climate change on coastal environments. As eddy activity increases, coastal communities and ecosystems will face growing challenges from more extreme temperature swings and other environmental stresses.