Yet another thread about water temps...

[Ziplock]

Here's another measurement of water temperature trends.

As a photographer developing and printing at home in Miami since 1979, I have observed the temperature of the water as measured by my inline thermometer and mixing valve. I've used the same system (but in different locations) for over 25 years now. I have periodically calibrated the thermometer to a "standard" mercury glass type, accurate to within a tenth of a degree F, using the same standard thermometer.

For the first 13 years, I used well water, drawing from a relatively shallow well drilled into oolite rock, which is quite porous and through which water flows. I have since 1992 been using "City Water".

This year the water passed the previous decades's maximum temperature of 84 F five full weeks early. Also, the 84 degree mark has never persisted beyond one week.

Usually, the highest temperature recorded occurs the last week of August.

Today, my water temp is just a hair under 86 degrees, and has been above 84 for five weeks, and above 82 since may.

I've never, ever seen the water so warm. What implications this may have for oceanic heat potential are of course unknown. But I cannot help but speculate that the connection is exactly as one might hypothesize: it isn't just a matter of sea SURFACE temperatures, but is a matter of a vast quantity of heat energy contained within the water.

Sure, there are many variables I cannot account for. But as you so often read here, the TREND is your friend...or in this case, if you fear a rapidly intensifying landfalling hurricane, this high heat potential is NOT your friend.

Just thought it would be interesting...it is to me, but then, photographers are generally fascinated by stuff that "normals" find profoundly dull. Twenty five years of temperature watching is nothing to sneeze at! So there!

Comments welcome, I think.
Zip