Turbulence as a driver for vertical plankton distribution in the subsurface upper ocean

Vertical distributions of turbulent energy dissipation rates and fluorescence have been measured simultaneously with a high-resolution micro-profiler in four different oceanographic regions from temperate to polar, and from coastal to open waters settings. High fluorescence values forming Deep Chlorophyll Maxima (DCM) were often located in non-stratified portions of the upper water column, just below layers with maximum levels of turbulent energy dissipation rate. In the vicinity of these DCM, a negative and significant relationship between fluorescence and turbulent energy dissipation rate was found. We discuss the different mechanisms that could explain the observed patterns of planktonic biomass distribution within the ocean mixed layer, including a vertically-variable diffusion coefficient and the alteration of the cells’ sinking velocity by turbulent motion. These findings provide further insight into the processes controlling the vertical distribution of the pelagic community and position of the DCM.

MACIAS MOY Diego;  RODRIGUEZ-SANTANA Angel;  RAMIREZ-ROMERO Eduardo;  BRUNO Miguel;  PELEGRI Josep L.;  SANGRA Pablo;  AGUIAR-GONZALEZ Borja;  GARCIA Carlos; 

2014-01-08

INST CIENCIAS MAR BARCELONA

JRC82757

0214-8358,   

http://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/viewArticle/1481,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC82757,   

10.3989/scimar.03854.03A,