Story perspectives

Unprecedented Cold Water Blob Missing in Gulf of Panama

9/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Gulf of Panama's cold water blob, vital for marine life, did not form this year.
Paleoceanographer Ralf Schiebel expressed surprise at this unprecedented occurrence.
Typically, the blob is 10°C (18°F) colder than surface water and rich in nutrients, supporting local fisheries.
Schiebel co-authored a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on this anomaly.
The lack of strong trade winds, usually indicating the dry season, is a likely cause, raising concerns for the marine ecosystem.

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Story summary

The Gulf of Panama's cold water blob, vital for marine life, did not form this year.
Paleoceanographer Ralf Schiebel expressed surprise at this unprecedented occurrence.
Typically, the blob is 10°C (18°F) colder than surface water and rich in nutrients, supporting local fisheries.
Schiebel co-authored a paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on this anomaly.
The lack of strong trade winds, usually indicating the dry season, is a likely cause, raising concerns for the marine ecosystem.