Satellite-observed variability of phytoplankton size classes associated with a cold eddy in the South China Sea

Mar Pollut Bull. 2014 Jun 15;83(1):190-7. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.052. Epub 2014 May 1.

Abstract

Ocean-color remote sensing has been used as a tool to detect phytoplankton size classes (PSCs). In this study, a three-component model of PSC was reparameterized using seven years of pigment measurements acquired in the South China Sea (SCS). The model was then used to infer PSC in a cyclonic eddy which was observed west of Luzon Island from SeaWiFS chlorophyll-a (chla) and sea-surface height anomaly (SSHA) products. Enhanced productivity and a shift in the PSC were observed, which were likely due to upwelling of nutrient-rich water into the euphotic zone. The supply of nutrients promoted the growth of larger cells (micro- and nanoplankton), and the PSC shifted to greater sizes. However, the picoplankton were still important and contributed ∼48% to total chla concentration. In addition, PSC time series revealed a lag period of about three weeks between maximum eddy intensity and maximum chlorophyll, which may have been related to phytoplankton growth rate and duration of eddy intensity.

Keywords: Mesoscale eddy; Phytoplankton size class; Remote sensing; South China Sea.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Chlorophyll / analysis
  • Chlorophyll A
  • Cold Temperature
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Philippines
  • Phytoplankton*
  • Remote Sensing Technology*
  • Seawater / microbiology*
  • Water Movements

Substances

  • Chlorophyll
  • Chlorophyll A