The authors present the first synoptic characterisation of an oceanic mesoscale eddy’s full life cycle using groundbreaking SWOT satellite altimetry. This unprecedented view challenges the long-standing perception of eddies as simple, elliptical structures, revealing the crucial role of mesoscale interactions in their evolution. The SWOT results capture intense submesoscale turbulence at the eddy’s rim, exposing secondary instabilities that likely drive its dissipation. These findings not only validate decades of vortex theory but also open new frontiers in our understanding of oceanic turbulence.

This paper highlights the changes in ocean temperatures and currents that are likely to affect the Great Barrier Reef in coming decades - affecting an iconic and unique environment. It uses newly available high-resolution coupled climate model output to assess the ocean warming and analyses the causes and repercussions of such warming due to climate change.