Articles | Volume 16, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-1475-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-1475-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Data description paper
| 
15 Mar 2024
Data description paper |
| 15 Mar 2024
| 15 Mar 2024
A Lagrangian coherent eddy atlas for biogeochemical applications in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre
Alexandra E. Jones-Kellett
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA
Michael J. Follows
Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Eddies are rotating ocean vortices up to hundreds of kilometers in diameter that stimulate phytoplankton blooms. We used satellite data and simulations of currents to examine the effect of eddy trapping strength on phytoplankton concentration in the open North Pacific Ocean. Coherent eddies trap phytoplankton, while "leaky" ones have lower concentrations because they mix with surrounding waters. However, contrary to previous theory, eddy-trapped blooms are more prominent in southern latitudes.
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Eddies are rotating ocean vortices up to hundreds of kilometers in diameter that stimulate phytoplankton blooms. We used satellite data and simulations of currents to examine the effect of eddy trapping strength on phytoplankton concentration in the open North Pacific Ocean. Coherent eddies trap phytoplankton, while "leaky" ones have lower concentrations because they mix with surrounding waters. However, contrary to previous theory, eddy-trapped blooms are more prominent in southern latitudes.
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Short summary
Ocean eddies can limit horizontal mixing, potentially isolating phytoplankton populations and affecting their concentration. We used two decades of satellite data and computer simulations to identify and track eddy-trapping boundaries in the Pacific Ocean for application in phytoplankton research. Although some eddies trap water masses for months, many continuously mix with surrounding waters. A case study shows how eddy trapping can enhance the signature of a phytoplankton bloom.
Ocean eddies can limit horizontal mixing, potentially isolating phytoplankton populations and...
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