Panama’s seasonal upwelling collapsed in 2025, linked to reduced winds. The event signals risks for fisheries and climate-sensitive ocean processes. The annual phenomenon of upwelling in the Gulf of Panama failed to occur in 2025 for the first time on record. A team of scientists from the Smithso
I was not familiar with the technical term, but have heard the term ‘doldrums’. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intertropical_Convergence_Zone
The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ /ɪtʃ/ ITCH, or ICZ),[1] known by sailors as the doldrums[2] or the calms because of its monotonous windless weather, is the area where the northeast and the southeast trade winds converge. It encircles Earth near the thermal equator, though its specific position varies seasonally. When it lies near the geographic equator, it is called the near-equatorial trough. Where the ITCZ is drawn into and merges with a monsoonal circulation, it is sometimes referred to as a monsoon trough (a usage that is more common in Australia and parts of Asia). a
Unprecedented suppression of Panama’s Pacific upwelling in 2025 Abstract The Gulf of Panama’s (GOP) seasonal upwelling system has consistently delivered cool, nutrient-rich waters via northerly trade winds every January–April for at least 40 y. Here, we document the failure of this normally highly predictable phenomenon in 2025. Data suggest that the cause was a reduction in Panama wind-jet frequency, duration, and strength, possibly related to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) position during the 2024–2025 La Niña, though the mechanisms remain unclear. Nevertheless, the consequences are likely significant, including decreases in fisheries productivity and exacerbated thermal stress on corals that typically benefit from upwelling’s cooling. This event underscores how climate disruption can threaten wind-driven tropical upwelling systems, which remain poorly monitored and studied despite their importance to ecology and coastal economies.
Just like me, the first time I heard about the ITCZ was when the Sahara Desert was flooded last year. And that was because of the ITCZ shift.
Heavy rains soak Sahara Desert as northward ITCZ shift alters African weather patterns
I recall that happening, but not the details. I wonder how this will affect the Great Green Wall (https://grandemurailleverte.org/); seems like it should help.
Well this could help the Sahel countries, as they do not have the funds to continue the project. Of course, we do not know for sure whether the Sahara Desert or the Arabian Desert will become greener in the long term.
You may also be interested in this
From Lush Sahara to Gobi Sands: Unraveling the Holocene’s Neoglacial Rollercoaster
I was just curious to find out about this after watching the NHK program “Silk Road” and it turns out there is also a Great Green Wall project in China.
and in Figure 2, the Gobi Desert is located within the ITCZ.