Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are typically defined as oceanic events characterized by sustained periods of anomalously high sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Since the concept of MHWs was introduced over a decade ago, research in this area has rapidly emerged as a cutting-edge focus within physical oceanography. However, the prevailing definition of MHWs relies solely on SST anomalies and lacks dynamical constraints, leading to ambiguities in differentiating MHWs from other oceanic phenomena. This definitional gap has resulted in frequent overlap between MHWs and other ocean processes, particularly mesoscale eddies, which are widespread in the ocean, creating challenges in fully understanding MHW behavior. Prior studies have identified the South China Sea as a hotspot for both mesoscale eddies and MHWs, making it highly prone to their concurrent occurrence. Nevertheless, significant gaps remain in our understanding of how to effectively distinguish between these phenomena, the extent of their overlap, and the nature of their interactions. To address these uncertainties, this study employs OISSTV2.1 data to identify MHWs and the Meta 3.2 mesoscale eddy dataset to conduct a comparative analysis. The focus is on investigating the interactions between MHWs and mesoscale eddies in the South China Sea. Our findings reveal a complex and interdependent relationship between the two phenomena, underscoring the need for a more nuanced understanding of MHWs in relation to ocean dynamics. This research provides critical insights that can enhance the forecasting and management of MHW-related marine disasters.
 

marine heatwaves, mesoscale eddy, South China Sea