Linkages Between Physical Structure and Primary Production in the California Current
Abstract
This project was aimed at better defining the linkages between physical structure and ecosystem structure in the California Current with the goal of improving our ability to predict pattern in plankton distributions based upon models of ocean circulation. We used an empirical approach of analyzing large data sets to see which aspects of physical structure were best correlated with biological structure. We collected and analyzed new data with a continuous underway mapping system to examine mesoscale structure, and we analyzed historical data to examine seasonal, interannual and decadal time scales. We showed that the front at the inner edge of the California Current is an important boundary and that knowledge of the location of this feature has useful predictive value. We developed a better understanding of regional pattern in the relation between near surface T/S structure and the chlorophyll distribution. We showed that simple trophodynamic models may be insufficient to explain linkages between physical structure and plankton abundance on decadal time scales.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA358123
Entities
People
- Thomas L. Hayward
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography