Are the Satellite-Observed Narrow, Streaky Chlorophyll Filaments Locally Intensified by the Submesoscale Processes?
Abstract
Based on observations and modeling studies we have evaluated the impact of submesoscale processes on the development and intensification of offshore narrow (5-10km wide) phytoplankton filaments during summer time in the Monterey Bay, CA. We have demonstrated that, submesoscale processes (surface frontogenesis and nonlinear Ekman transport) lead to the development of very productive phytoplankton patches along the edges between the cold jet and warm anticyclonic eddy. Our results illustrate that during persistent upwelling favorable winds, submesoscale processes can modulate the development and intensification of offshore narrow (5-10km wide) phytoplankton filaments. These processes can incubate the phytoplankton population offshore (as for example, bioluminescent dinoflagellates during August 2003). These offshore phytoplankton filaments can migrate onshore during relaxed winds following the upwelling, and be an additional source of phytoplankton bloom development in and around Monterey Bay. Therefore, the discussed offshore phytoplankton filaments may be a factor in the Bay ecosystem health, as for example, in the development of such events as harmful algae blooms (HABs). All these emphasize the importance of further observational and modeling studies of these submesoscale processes which impact the development and intensification of offshore phytoplankton filaments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 05, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA623836
Entities
People
- Bradley Penta
- Gregg A. Jacobs
- Igor G. Shulman
- James G. Richman
- Peter Sakalaukus
- Stephanie C. Anderson
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory