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Background nutrient concentration determines phytoplankton bloom response to marine heatwaves
Hakase Hayashida1,2, Richard J Matear2,3, Peter G Strutton1,2
1Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia.
Global Change Biology
|June 26, 2020
Summary
Marine heatwaves intensify due to global warming, impacting ocean microbes. Phytoplankton blooms weaken in nutrient-poor waters and strengthen in nutrient-rich areas during these events.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Marine Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Marine heatwaves are increasing due to global warming.
- Ecological impacts are known for larger organisms, but microbial impacts are less understood.
- Microbes regulate crucial ocean biogeochemical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impacts of marine heatwaves on phytoplankton blooms.
- To investigate how oceanographic conditions influence these impacts.
- To project future changes in phytoplankton blooms under marine heatwaves.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a near-global ocean physical-biogeochemical model simulation (1992-2014).
- Characterization of marine heatwave impacts on phytoplankton blooms across 23 regions.
- Validation using satellite observations and in situ climatology of sea-surface temperature, chlorophyll a, and nitrate.
Main Results:
- Marine heatwaves cause shallower surface mixing and lower surface nitrate concentrations.
- Phytoplankton bloom responses are mixed, depending on background nutrient levels.
- Blooms weaken in nutrient-poor waters and strengthen in nutrient-rich waters during heatwaves.
Conclusions:
- Phytoplankton bloom responses to marine heatwaves are modulated by background nutrient availability.
- Nutrient-poor waters are expanding globally.
- Weaker blooms are expected during future marine heatwaves, affecting trophic levels and biogeochemical cycling.
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