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Unusually warm ocean temperatures at the surface or subsurface can have a detrimental effect on the health of marine ecosystems. Yet marine heatwaves have only come into the focus of ocean research over the course of the past decade or so. Many gaps remain in our knowledge about marine heatwaves; even the definition of exactly what constitutes a marine heatwave is still under debate.
In this Collection we present articles that explore the causes, characteristics and impacts of marine heatwaves. We are pleased to invite submissions of complementary studies and opinion pieces, to broaden the discussion.