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Eddy-driven stratification initiates North Atlantic spring phytoplankton blooms
Amala Mahadevan1, Eric D'Asaro, Craig Lee
1Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 7, 2012
Summary
Springtime phytoplankton blooms are crucial for carbon export. New research shows ocean eddies, not just warming, drive early stratification and patchy blooms, advancing them by weeks.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Marine Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Springtime phytoplankton blooms are vital for oceanic carbon cycling.
- Blooms are traditionally linked to increased light and surface stratification.
- Stratification is commonly attributed to sea surface warming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the primary drivers of early season stratification and phytoplankton blooms in the North Atlantic.
- To challenge the classical understanding of bloom initiation mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized observational data from the subpolar North Atlantic.
- Employed a three-dimensional biophysical model for simulation and analysis.
Main Results:
- Eddy-driven slumping of the north-south density gradient initiates stratification.
- This process causes earlier, patchy phytoplankton blooms.
- Blooms begin 20–30 days sooner than predicted by warming alone.
Conclusions:
- Oceanic eddies play a critical role in initiating spring phytoplankton blooms.
- The findings necessitate a revision of climate models regarding bloom dynamics.
- Early bloom initiation has significant implications for marine carbon export.
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