Physical Forcing of Phytoplankton Population Abundance in the Gulf of Maine - Georges Bank Region
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOAL. The goal of this study is to understand the physical-biological interactions that control phytoplankton distributions observed in the Gulf of Maine / Georges Bank region. OBJECTIVES. Realistic three-dimensional regional simulations of phytoplankton biomass which resolve time scales from hours to seasons and spatial scales ranging from 1 to 100km will be created. We will begin by establishing the large-scale, low frequency context with an investigation of the role of the climatological circulation in controlling regional-scale seasonal variations of phytoplankton abundance. This will set the stage for high-resolution data-driven simulations in the Western Gulf of Maine and on Georges Bank. Once validated, the numerical solutions will be used as a basis for diagnosis of the physical-biological mechanisms responsible for producing spatial and temporal variability in phytoplankton abundance. In particular, the influences of buoyant river plume dynamics and wind-driven coastal upwelling/downwelling are to be examined in the western Gulf of Maine. On Georges Bank, we will focus on the complex interaction of tides, baroclinic circulation, and winddriven currents in generating phytoplankton patchiness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA630332
Entities
People
- Dennis J. Mcgillicuddy Jr.
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution