The air temperature change effect on water quality in the Kvarken Archipelago area

Rising air temperatures in the Kvarken Archipelago, Finland's UNESCO World Heritage site, are linked to significant changes in water quality. A 61-year analysis revealed strong correlations between air temperature and water temperature (Pearson’s r = 0.897, P < 0.0001), with increases in April and July indirectly boosting chlorophyll-a levels—a marker of phytoplankton growth—particularly in June (slope = 0.391, R² = 0.469, P < 0.0001). While the study suggests indirect effects on water quality, further research is needed to fully understand long-term impacts. The findings highlight the need for monitoring climate-driven shifts in this ecologically sensitive region.

Girgibo, N., Lü, X., Hiltunen, E., Peura, P., & Dai, Z. (2023). The air temperature change effect on water quality in the Kvarken Archipelago area. Science of the Total Environment, 874, 162599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162599