How Marine Heatwaves Impact Life in the Ocean

Abstract

Heatwaves are long periods of hotter-than-usual weather. They happen both on land and in the ocean. In the ocean, these hot periods are called marine heatwaves. Marine heatwaves can be deadly for marine life such as fish, seabirds, and corals. In the past decade, marine heatwaves have become more frequent, and more intense. Every marine heatwave is harmful to marine ecosystems. Marine heatwaves happen all around the world, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Climate scientists predict that, in the future, marine heatwaves will last longer and be more frequent, which will inevitably create more problems for marine life and humans. Therefore, we need to better understand why marine heatwaves occur and how they impact life in the ocean.