Fig. 10: Comparison of regional mesoscale sea level anomalies (SLAs) and eddy fields around Moorea during the surface marine heatwaves (MHWs) of 2007, 2012, 2016 and 2019.
From: Hidden heatwaves and severe coral bleaching linked to mesoscale eddies and thermocline dynamics

Plots show SLAs from satellite altimetry on a 5 Mar 2007, b 10 Dec 2012, c 12 April 2016, and d 16 April 2019, highlighting the a elevated SLA around Moorea during the minor subsurface MHW in 2007, b regional SLA depression during the surface-restricted MHW in 2012, c lower regional SLA and a cyclonic eddy north of Moorea during the moderate subsurface MHW in 2016, and d extensive region of higher SLA and anticyclonic eddies to the north of Moorea during the severe subsurface MHW in 2019. Dates correspond to the peak SLAs measured over the reef during each MHW (e.g., see Fig. 7c for 2016 and 2019). Coastlines based on Wessel and Smith77.