Deep Ocean Marine Heatwaves Largely Unreported, New Study Finds

Research reveals that 80% of marine heatwaves below 100 meters occur independently of surface events, highlighting a critical knowledge gap.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prolonged temperature events that can cause severe damage to marine habitats and are becoming more frequent due to global warming.
New research by CSIRO and the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that subsurface MHWs are often independent from surface events and have been underreported.
The study used data from over two million ocean temperature profiles to analyze the frequency and intensity of these deep-water heatwaves.
Ocean eddies, swirling currents that affect heat distribution, are identified as key drivers of subsurface MHWs, with significant occurrences in the East Australian Current
Understanding subsurface MHWs is crucial for assessing their ecological impact and improving predictions in a warming climate.