An oceanographer studying coral bleaching events records water temperatures over 7 years: 28.1, 28.4, 29.0, 29.3, 29.5, 29.8, and 30.1°C. Assuming a linear warming trend, what is the predicted temperature in the 10th year using linear extrapolation?

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:13:35 +0000

Title: Tracking Coral Bleaching Risks: An Oceanographer’s 7-Year Temperature Record Reveals Urgent Warming Trends Oceanographer Dr. Elena Hart has spent seven years monitoring sea surface temperatures at a critical reef system, documenting a troubling trend: annual water temperatures rising steadily from 28.1°C to 30.1°C. This detailed 7-year dataset—20th January to 31st December of each year—shows a clear warming trajectory linked directly to increasing coral bleaching risks. With a linear warming trend evident in the data, researchers use mathematical extrapolation to forecast future conditions, offering a powerful tool for conservation and climate advocacy. Analyzing the Temperature Pattern Dr. Hart’s study focuses on annual average water temperatures measured at key reef sites. Over seven years (Year 1 to Year 7), temperatures increased consistently: