heatwaveR: A central algorithm for the detection of heatwaves and cold-spells

Abstract

As the world continues to warm, we see not only a steady increase in mean temperatures These events may decimate ecosystems It is therefore necessary that a standard definition for these events be provided for researchers that allows for the comparison of events at a global scale. The first framework that allowed for the measurement and comparison of events globally was first outlined by Perkins and Alexander ( Based on this work, Hobday et al. (2016) then developed a definition for MHWs. A publication by Schlegel et al. (2017) then explored the concept of 'marine cold-spells' (MCSs).