Scientists have found that parts of the ocean can experience long periods of extreme darkness, sometimes lasting weeks. Researchers from the University of Waikato and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand have created a new way to identify and study these sudden drops in underwater light. A New Way To Spot When The Ocean Goes DarkThe research team created a framework inspired by methods used to track other temporary ocean events, including marine heatwaves. The researchers say this new system will make it easier to compare darkwave events and understand how they affect different coastal environments. A major example was seen after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which was connected to a marine darkwave near New Zealand’s East Cape.