Coupling between Algal Blooms and Wind Patterns in Two Near-coastal Regions of the Mediterranean Sea

A comparison of SeaWiFS and QuikScat data, for 2000-2007, was used to explore the coupling between algal blooms and wind patterns in two near-coastal regions of the Mediterranean Sea. Phytoplankton growth in this oligotrophic basin is always nutrient-limited. Oligotrophy increases from west to east, except for near-coastal hotspots, corresponding to sources of continental runoff, or to areas, and periods, in which atmospheric forcing creates specific conditions that trigger the sequence of convective processes, nutrient upwelling and algal blooms. In the Gulf of Lion and in the Rhodes-Ierapetra gyre system, blooming reflects the prevailing wind patterns. Although highly dynamic, and unstable, the same surface features recur systematically in both regions.

BARALE Vittorio;  GADE Martin; 

2008-05-06

MEDCOAST, Middle East Technical University

JRC42094