This real time data visualisation presents reefs at risk of coral bleaching. Remotely sensed data gives an awareness of abnormally high sea surface temperatures (SST) compared to seasonal averages.
Coupled with the intensity and duration of these higher temperatures: HotSpot (HS) measures intensity in °C above summer maximum temperature , and degree heating weeks (DHW) indicate the duration of these heating events. For example one DHW equals a week where the recorded HotSpot is 1° greater than the expected summertime maximum.
These factors along with other conditions inform the potential risk of coral reef bleaching events however do not categorically confirm bleaching is occurring.