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Hidden heatwaves and severe coral bleaching linked to mesoscale eddies and thermocline dynamics

Earth Sciences

Hidden heatwaves and severe coral bleaching linked to mesoscale eddies and thermocline dynamics

A. S. J. Wyatt, J. J. Leichter, et al.

Discover the surprising impact of subsurface marine heatwaves on coral reefs, as documented by researchers Alex S. J. Wyatt and colleagues. This study reveals how changes in ocean temperature can significantly affect coral health, highlighting a long-term environmental trend that poses a threat to reef recovery.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
The severity of marine heatwaves (MHWs) impacting ocean ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, has been assessed using sea-surface temperatures (SSTs). This study uses SST, high-resolution in-situ temperatures, and sea level anomalies over 15 years near Moorea to document subsurface MHWs paradoxical to SST metrics and linked to coral bleaching. Mesoscale eddies altered thermocline depths and internal-wave cooling, influencing MHW severity. Reduced internal waves in early 2019 contributed to a prolonged subsurface MHW and severe coral bleaching, offsetting almost a decade of coral recovery. Increased mesoscale eddy fields and stronger stratification with climate change could increase subsurface MHWs.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jan 06, 2023
Authors
Alex S. J. Wyatt, James J. Leichter, Libe Washburn, Li Kui, Peter J. Edmunds, Scott C. Burgess
Tags
marine heatwaves
coral bleaching
sea-surface temperatures
mesoscale eddies
climate change
ocean ecosystems

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