What is the warmest ocean in the world as of 2016?

As of 2016, the warmest ocean in the world is the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean, which borders Africa, Asia, and Australia on three sides is located entirely in tropical zones. But, it is also subject to receiving colder waters from the Antarctic Ocean (Southern Ocean).

The typical surface temperature of the warmest portions of the Indian Ocean is found to be warmer than 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the east-central area of the ocean. Also, studies have shown that this temperature has been increasing at a rate greater than other rates in other tropical regions of the world since the mid-20th century. This phenomenon is a key factor in the overall warming of the ocean surface temperatures. It has been typically observed since the early 1900s.

As the third largest ocean in the world, the Indian Ocean’s temperature is affected by several factors including the rivers that flow into it. The inflows of the Red Sea and Atlantic Ocean play a main part in the temperature of the water. The northern part of the ocean has an average surface temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is the southern end that sees temperatures as high as 82 degrees Fahrenheit. So, sections of this ocean are relatively warm; but, there are also parts that are extremely cold. The belt between southern Africa and southwestern Australia is, for instance, cold enough that icebergs form throughout the year.