Mesoscale Circulation and Primary Production in Eastern Boundary Current Systems
Abstract
The long-term goals of this project are to: (1) improve our ability to measure the patterns of primary production and phytoplankton abundance in the ocean, (2) understand what causes these patterns and (3) improve our predictive ability. Patterns of primary production and phytoplankton abundance in the ocean are obscured by the great spatial and temporal variability. We are attempting to better resolve spatial pattern by using a continuous underway mapping system, and temporal pattern by additional shipboard sampling, analysis of coastal shore station data and model output to fill in the gaps between shipboard surveys. We have shown that physical structure which determines the nutrient distribution and advection are the two main determinants of phytoplankton abundance in the California Current. We are now attempting to determine which specific aspects of physical structure have the most direct effect upon phytoplankton abundance. Prediction is hindered by our ability to predict either physical or biological structure, and by our limited understanding of how physical and biological structure are linked. We expect that progress will come most rapidly in predicting physical structure. We are thus attempting to predict the patterns of phytoplankton given predictions of physical structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA542878
Entities
People
- Thomas L. Hayward
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography