The role of ocean velocity in Chlorophyll variability. A modelling study in the Alboran Sea

In this work we focus on the Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean) to relate wind field and ocean velocity variability with chlorophyll a (Chl) behavior, using a 2 km resolution, coupled 3D ocean circulation-NPZD model (ROMS). The analysis is done in three steps. First, we split the seasonal and residual contribution for the fields under study. Second, we calculate the corresponding Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs) for the seasonal and residual parts. Finally, we relate each pair of variables for both, seasonal and residual contribution EOFs. The results reported here allow the quantification of the links between wind and chlorophyll. We explain these links in terms of the ocean velocity field acting as a driver of Chl variability. The results show that, although the seasonal part of Chl field is modulated by the vertical velocity, the residual component is modulated by the horizontal velocity components. Vertical velocities are responsible, through coastal upwelling, of Chl bloom enhancement, while horizontal velocities spread coastal Chl surface blooms off-shore.

SOLE Jordi;  BALLABRERA-POY Joaquim;  MACIAS MOY Diego;  CATALAN Igancio; 

2016-10-11

INST CIENCIAS MAR BARCELONA

JRC100701

0214-8358,   

http://scimar.icm.csic.es/scimar/index.php/secId/7/IdArt/4404/,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC100701,   

10.3989/scimar.04290.04A,