[A-CG43] Multi-scale ocean-atmosphere interaction in the tropics

[ACG43-P11] Evolution of Spatiotemporally Contiguous Marine Heatwaves in the Maritime Continent

*Ardiansyah Desmont Puryajati¹, Toshio Suga^1,2,3 (1.Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, 2.Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI AIMEC), Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, 3.Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI AIMEC), JAMSTEC, Yokohama, Japan)

Keywords:Marine Heatwaves, Sea Surface Temperature, Maritime Continent, 3D Connected Component

Global warming leads to ocean warming due to the excess heat absorbed by the oceans. One of the impacts of global warming is an increase in the frequency and duration of marine heatwaves. Marine heatwaves (MHW) are periods of extreme ocean temperature events that persist for some periods and can extend up to thousands of kilometers. Previous studies have primarily focused on the temporal variability of MHW at a single grid point, leaving a significant gap in understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of these events. This research aims to analyze the dynamic evolution of MHW—from formation to dissipation—by combining the Hobday-based MHW detection method with the 3D Connected Component (CC3D) approach. The Hobday method provides a consistent procedure for identifying MHW occurrences, while CC3D is employed to track and map the three-dimensional movement of MHW based on spatial and temporal connectivity. Approximately 750 MHW events were identified in the observation period using these methods. Our results revealed that MHW appears locally and can also migrate and expand across other areas before disappearing. This shows the importance of a comprehensive spatiotemporal framework in better understanding the characteristics and mechanisms of MHW.