Europe Heatwave: Record-Breaking Zero-Degree Line Height Recorded

A Swiss meteorological probe has captured an unprecedented height of 5298 meters before the temperature dropped to 0°C. The zero-degree line, the height at which the temperature falls below freezing, is considered a crucial meteorological marker, particularly in mountainous regions. 

This information was reported by MétéoSuisse.

The height of nearly 5300 meters recorded by the meteorological probe has set a "record since observations began in 1954," surpassing the previous maximum of 5184 meters, which was "only established last July."

As one ascends in altitude, the temperature decreases, and at a certain point along the vertical axis, the temperature drops below 0°C. This specific height is known as the zero-degree line. It can be obtained through surface measurements at weather stations or determined using meteorological balloons in the free atmosphere.

The zero-degree line in the free atmosphere is determined from the temperature profile measured daily at the regional center in Payerne, western Switzerland, using meteorological sounding devices. This climatic index exhibits a distinct annual pattern, with maximum values in summer and minimum values in winter.

The zero-degree line "impacts vegetation, snow cover, and the water cycle, thus significantly influencing the living environment of people, animals, and plants," notes MétéoSuisse.

From 1991 to 2020, its average height stood at 2570 meters, fluctuating between 1000 to 2000 meters in winter and 3000 to 4000 meters in summer. In cooler summer days, values below 2500 meters are possible, while during extremely hot days, the zero-degree mark can rise to 5000 meters.

Over the past decades, "anthropogenic climate changes have led to a significant increase in the height of the zero-degree line in every season," MétéoSuisse's statement reads. The last 10 years have seen consecutive records in this regard.

Similar to temperature, the height of the zero-degree line over Switzerland has visibly risen due to climate change. This is most evident in the near-surface zero-degree line obtained through weather station measurements. Since recording began in 1864, the near-surface zero-degree line has risen by approximately 200-700 meters.

As reported by The Gaze, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, the world's oceans have achieved another temperature record. Scientists are alarmed by the recorded values and caution that if global warming doesn't slow down and temperatures keep rising, an ecological catastrophe awaits.

The rapid increase in ocean temperatures spells trouble for both us and ecosystems. Warmer water absorbs less carbon dioxide, leaving more of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Additionally, overly warm water forces marine creatures to migrate to cooler waters, disrupting food chains.

Some organisms may not be able to adapt to such rapid climate changes, leading to their extinction. This is already apparent in coral reefs. Scientists studying heatwaves in the Gulf of Mexico report that many coral reefs are already suffering from bleaching. Instances of coral death have also become more frequent.