Consequences of Persistent Small-Scale Biological Structure on Upper Ocean Trophic Processes
Abstract
Our long-term goal is to quantify the interactions between small-scale biological and physical processes in the upper ocean. This project addresses that goal by examining the coherence in the distribution and variability of small-scale bio-optical properties with coincident spatial and temporal scales of physical properties and processes. Our scientific objective is to resolve temporal and spatial patterns in bio-optical and physical processes on those scales most relevant to planktonic organisms. Given the small size of planktonic organisms and the range of time intervals over which these organisms grow and reproduce, our objective requires observations that span centimeters to tens of meters in the vertical dimension, over time intervals of minutes to days. Integration of physical measurements with the biological measurements, on the same time and space scales, provides the opportunity to evaluate the trophic consequences of particular patterns of distribution and variability. We focus on our long-term objective by trying to unravel and further quantify the complex linkages between physical forcing and the observed distribution of thin layer properties. What range of conditions results in thin layer formation and persistence? What are the dominant processes that create and maintain small-scale structure? Over what time scales do features form, change, or disappear? Are particular coastal and oceanic habitats more or less likely to possess persistent small-scale features? What is the impact of these features on optical and acoustical signal transduction in the upper ocean? To what extent, and under what conditions, must we alter our sampling strategies to obtain acceptable, if not perfectly accurate, estimates of the distribution of physical, chemical, and biological properties and rate processes in the upper ocean?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA609782
Entities
People
- Timothy J. Cowles
Organizations
- Oregon State University