The synoptic meteorology of coral reef high water temperature events in the Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba), Israel

Thermal coral bleaching events (TCBEs) occur when water temperatures exceed the thermal tolerance of corals, and they expel their symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) exposing their white skeletons giving the appearance of having bleached. Here we identify for the first time the synoptic weather patterns associated with high water temperature events in the Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba) (GoE), Israel that may trigger TCBEs. These patterns are characterized by the advection of hot and humid air from the eastern Mediterranean toward the GoE beneath a region of atmospheric subsidence. This contributes to further warming while inhibiting cloud development, thereby increasing the potential for strong radiative heating of the coral reefs in the GoE. Identifying the regional meteorology of TCBEs provides essential baseline data to monitor change in the weather patterns we identify including that caused by future warming and its impact on the Hadley and Walker Cell atmospheric circulations.