Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the unprecedented marine heatwaves experienced globally in 2023, highlighting their record duration, coverage, and intensity, which are linked to climate change and have significant ecological impacts [1][3][7]. Group 1: Marine Heatwaves Overview - In 2023, global marine heatwaves (MHW) surged dramatically, setting new records in duration, coverage, and intensity, with a cumulative marine heatwave activity intensity reaching 53.6 billion ℃ days km², deviating more than three standard deviations from historical norms since 1982 [5]. - Significant events included the North Atlantic heatwave, occurring once every 276 years, and the Southwest Pacific heatwave, occurring once every 141 years [5]. Group 2: Research Findings - A study published in the journal Science by researchers from Ningbo University and Southern University of Science and Technology revealed the distribution characteristics, evolution patterns, and key physical driving mechanisms of the extreme marine heatwaves in 2023 [2][3]. - The research established a diagnostic framework based on high-resolution ocean reanalysis data, quantitatively characterizing the unprecedented features of marine heatwaves in terms of intensity, duration, and spatial coverage [7]. Group 3: Key Driving Mechanisms - The study identified different driving mechanisms for marine heatwaves in four key ocean regions: - The North Atlantic and North Pacific are primarily driven by enhanced shortwave radiation flux and shallower mixed layers - The Southwest Pacific is dominated by reduced cloud cover and enhanced advection - The Tropical East Pacific is influenced by oceanic advection [5][7]. Group 4: Implications - The findings underscore the escalating ecological impacts of global warming, providing a solid scientific foundation for understanding and addressing global climate change and extreme weather events [7].