Definition

Unusually high ocean temperatures for an extended period of time (even months-years). Marine heatwaves can be devastating to marine ecosystems, including stressing and bleaching coral and causing harmful algal blooms. Marine heatwaves can worsen extreme weather like hurricanes.

Further reading
Marine Heatwaves - Copernicus Marine Service [website]
Marine Heatwaves international working group [website]
Related

high ocean temperatures; marine heatwave events; marine heat waves (MHWs); Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies (SSTAs)

See also
Climate change
Coral bleaching
El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
Extreme weather
Heatwaves
Zooxanthellae
Explore by theme
Challenges
Environmental Changes
Drafted by
Chris Graham
Reviewed by
TBC