A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Sea Surface Temperature Variability in the Red Sea Associated with Seismic Activity

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive analysis of changes in sea surface temperature (SST) across the Red Sea from 2003 to 2020 using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua satellite data. Employing a regionalization scheme based on principal component analysis (PCA), five homogenous sub-regions were identified, explaining approximately 85% of the total variation in SST. Notably, distinct SST trends were observed between the southern (PC1) and northern (PC3) regions. Overall, of summertime. The latitudinal gradient analysis revealed consistent rising SST trends across all seasons as latitude increased, while the western coasts displayed more pronounced warming trends compared to the eastern coasts. Moreover, significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between the annual variability of SST. This study investigated the correlation between changes in SST and seismic events in the Red Sea, revealing statistically significant correlations limited to the northern region (PC3). The study also highlights the potential influence of anthropogenic activities, such as population growth and urban expansion along the Red Sea shorelines, in the notable increase in SST. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the intricate mechanisms and forces controlling SST variability in the Red Sea, offering valuable insights for coastal zone management and environmental planning.