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Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Pia S. Koch

,

Samuel M. Ayim

,

Oliver Wurl

Abstract: Tropical cyclones (TCs) are a key component of the Earth system, characterized by extremely intense air-sea interactions. This interaction influences the formation and intensity of TCs and governs biogeochemical processes in the upper ocean. This study investigates whether slower-moving TCs yield stronger Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) anomalies as a response of air-sea interaction. It further examines whether the combination of low translation speed and strong winds induces the strongest cooling and Chl-a anomalies and evaluates the relationship between cold wakes and Chl-a responses. Six TCs of categories 1-5 in the Indian Ocean were analyzed using vertical profiles of temperature from ARGO floats, satellite-derived SST and Chl-a, and meteorological reanalysis data. The results demonstrate that lower translation speed TCs (≤ 14.4 km/h) induced the most significant SST anomalies (-4 °C), and the highest Chl-a anomalies (2 mg m-3). The strongest anomalies occurred when slow translation speeds coincided with high wind speeds. The results indicate that the magnitude of anomalies is sustained not only by translation speed and wind intensity, but also by the stratification of the upper ocean. These contribute to our understanding of the correlation between translation speed, wind strength, atmospheric and oceanic preconditions on SST- and Chl-a anomalies.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Nelson Gouveia

,

Sabrina Fonseca

,

Lucas Mota

,

Manuela Santana

,

Douglas Francisco Marcolino Gherardi

,

Maikon Di Domenico

,

Kyssyane Oliveira

,

Fábio Cavalca Bom

,

Nadson Simões

,

Gisele Daiane Pinha

+9 authors

Abstract: Large-scale disasters can result in chronic pollution of coastal environments with unanticipated and poorly quantified impacts, such as the reshaping of marine connectivity. A recent example is the collapse of the Fundão tailings dam in 2015 that released about 50 million m3 of mine waste into the Doce River, affecting one of Brazil’s largest estuarine–mangrove systems. Here, we combine a high-resolution CROCO hydrodynamic simulation with an individual-based Lagrangian model (Ichthyop) to track the dispersal of mangrove crab (Ucides cordatus) larvae from four estuaries along the southeastern Brazilian margin between 2022 and 2024. Trajectories crossing toxicity fields derived from in situ collections (msPAF, based on species sensitivity distributions) were used to quantify larval exposure to contaminants from mine waste. Results show that surface shelf flow and mesoscale activity in the vicinity of the Doce river mouth contribute to offshore export of larvae, while the reef-dominated Abrolhos shelf promotes retention. Interannual variability alternates between long-distance export and local retention, likely reflecting climate-driven anomalies such as ENSO. Larval mortality rates caused by offshore advection and lethal temperature are high (65–75%), with surviving cohorts frequently crossing high-contamination zones. This suggests that the regional connectivity of U. cordatus is under chronic stress that likely compromises the integrity and resilience of coastal populations, since southern estuaries depend strongly on northern larval sources. The integration of Lagrangian simulations with in-situ contaminant monitoring and spatially explicit exposure metrics demonstrate that transport pathways regulate not only connectivity among estuaries but also the duration and intensity of larval exposure to pollutants.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Shizhi Liao

,

Yonggang Cao

,

Cansheng Zeng

,

Yizhan Chen

,

Yan Zhang

,

Lei Ma

,

Yansong Huang

,

Dongsheng Zhou

,

Runsheng Zhou

Abstract: A wave-current coupled mathematical model (MIKE21) was adopted in this paper to simulate the hydrodynamic changes (tidal level, tidal current, wave field) in the coastal waters surrounding the reclamation project of the Eastern Urban Economic Belt in Shantou, before and after the project implementation. The results show that: (1) Tidal level: After reclamation, the tidal level in the project area changed slightly within a range of 2~4 cm; the offshore low tidal level was 1~2 cm lower than pre-project. Shantou Port waterway’s high tidal level increased by 2~4 cm and low tidal level decreased by 2~4 cm, mainly caused by channel dredging. (2) Tidal current: The flood current velocity in the reclamation area increased with a changed direction; during ebb tide, the ebb current velocity increased at Xinjin and Waisha River estuaries, decreased along the reclamation coast, and increased in southeastern waters of Laiwu Island (flow direction unchanged). The reclamation had little impact on the waterway’s tidal current. (3) Wave field: Pre-project, natural horn-shaped coastline and barrier shoals induced nearshore wave refraction/breaking, with significant wave height of 0.0~0.2 m (nearshore) and 0.4~0.8 m (offshore). Post-reclamation, the straight artificial coastline and local sand extraction pits reduced wave energy loss, but the absence of shoals and topographic changes led to wave energy concentration in the reclamation front, with H₁/₃ increasing by 0.1~0.3 m (most notably at the two estuaries, rising from 0.0~0.2 m to 0.2~0.4 m). The research results reveal the influence mechanism of the reclamation project on the hydrodynamic environment of the coastal waters around the Eastern Urban Economic Belt in Shantou, and provide technical support for the feasibility evaluation of the construction project and the marine environmental risk management and control of the Eastern Urban Economic Belt in Shantou.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Pierre Daniel

,

Guy Claireaux

,

Nicolas Cormier

,

Michel L’Hour

,

Alexis Rochat

,

Cécile Sauvage

Abstract: The disappearance of the trawler Ravenel in January 1962, resulting in the loss of fifteen men from the Saint-Pierre-and-Miquelon archipelago, has long remained unresolved. This study integrates archival documentation, eyewitness testimony, atmospheric and oceanic reanalyses, and probabilistic drift modelling to reconstruct the circumstances of the loss and to constrain the wreck location. Backward and forward drift simulations were conducted using the Mothy sea-drift model, incorporating high-resolution tidal dynamics and wind forcing from ERA-20C and ERA5 reanalysis. Results show that uncertainty in debris stranding time exerts a much stronger influence on reconstructed drift paths than uncertainty in stranding location. The discovery of the wreck in May 2025 enabled forward simulations that indicate a most probable sinking time, with ERA5 producing debris stranding times consistent with historical observations. Although the wreck’s location and likely sinking window are now established, key questions regarding the sequence of events and loss of communication remain unresolved.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Opeyemi Ajibola-James

Abstract: Determining the most appropriate point for monitoring hourly sea surface salinity (SSS) in an outer estuary is a crucial requirement for operationalising a relatively proactive approach for monitoring and predicting upstream seawater intrusion (USI) successfully. However, our current knowledge of such high-frequency dynamics of SSS; and their spatial variability along the transect of the outer areas of European estuaries including Shannon Estuary, particularly when it comes to using relevant numerical model-derived (NM-D) data is still very limited. The study leveraged appropriate NM-D hourly SSS data to determine the daily, intraseasonal, and annual SSS variability at 4 different points in the outer part of Shannon Estuary; and to determine the most appropriate point for monitoring and predicting USI in the outer estuary. Descriptive statistics including measures of variability; and rigorous inferential statistics, pairwise Brown-Forsythe’s test were utilised for the study. Points A, B, C, and D show annual mean SSS (AMSSS) of 33.985, 33.881, 34.125, and 34.343; and annual mean CV (AMCV) of 0.086, 0.073, 0.094, and 0.106 % respectively. The lowest values exhibited by the point B in the results imply the highest level of annual freshwater availability (AFWA); and the most stable SSS on annual time scale. The Brown-Forsythe’s tests of the difference in the hourly SSS variability for points A vs B, A vs D, B vs C, B vs D, and C vs D show P-value of < 0.05, while A vs C shows P-value of > 0.05. This implies that the difference in the hourly SSS variability between the points of observation in each of the 5 pairs out of 6 is statistically significant. Instead of point A that is relatively close to the inner estuary, the results remarkably establish the point B as the most appropriate for monitoring and predicting USI in the outer estuary. The findings imply significant spatial and temporal dynamics, which underscore a complex hydrographic regime characterised by distinct geographic gradients and pronounced seasonal transitions in the outer parts of European estuaries.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Laura Aixalà

,

Irene Lopez-Mengual

,

Javier Atalah

,

Juan Aparicio

,

David Ballester

,

David Conesa

,

Aitor Forcada

,

Jonatan Gonzalez-Monsalvo

,

Antonio López-Quílez

,

Pablo Sanchez-Jerez

+1 authors

Abstract: Climate change poses significant risks to Mediterranean aquaculture, with sea surface temperature (SST) identified as a critical stressor affecting cultivated species. This study aims to assess climate-related risks for coastal aquaculture in the Valencian Community (Spain) by analyzing SST spatiotemporal variability and predicting future trends. A multi-method approach was employed, combining ARIMA models for 10-year predictions at eight coastal locations, Bayesian hierarchical models (BHM) fitted via INLA for spatiotemporal analysis of maximum SST and temperature range (2000–2024), and Generalized Additive Models (GAM) to evaluate relationships with climate indices (NAO, AMO, ENSO). Results revealed a consistent warming trend since the 1990s, with ARIMA predictions indicating maximum SST values of 27.2±0.1 °C in September over the next decade. The spatiotemporal model showed effective spatial correlation ranges of 246 km for maximum SST and 207 km for SST range. Anomalous warming years (2003, 2006, 2018, 2023–2024) coincided with documented marine heatwave events. The GAM explained 98.2% of deviance, with AMO showing significant influence (>0.001) while ENSO was not statistically significant. Notably, the area north of San Antonio Cape exhibited lower warming trends, suggesting potential climate refuge characteristics. Southern locations (Altea, Campello) currently experience the highest temperatures, but projections indicate Valencia and Sagunto will become the warmest areas. These findings provide essential information for marine spatial planning and recommend a precautionary approach when considering aquaculture relocation towards northern coastal areas.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Hansen Yue

,

Jie Guo

,

Chawei Hou

,

Yong Jin

Abstract: The central Bohai Sea (CBS) serves as a distribution center and wintering ground for the migration of economically important species of fish, shrimp, and crabs from the Yellow Sea and the BS. The frequency of hypoxia has gradually increased, posing a threat to the ecology of the CBS. Data from an on-site investigation of the cold water mass coverage area in the southern part of the BS in the spring, summer, and autumn of 2022 were an-alyzed to determine the relevant factors using stratification data and the nutritional status quality index. The results indicated that stratification was the leading cause of hypoxia. The 'boot-shaped' distribution of hypoxia in summer was primarily the result of the intrusion of cold and highly saline water in the northern part of the study area, as well as the intrusion of high-temperature and low-salinity water from the Yellow River estuary and the high salinity water in the northeast corner of the study area. The study found that the cold water mass in the northern part of the Bohai Sea invades the cold water mass in the southern part. This study provides novel insights into the formation and distribution of hypoxia in the CBS.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Carl L. Amos

,

Hachem Kassem

,

Victoriano Martinez-Alvarez

,

Thamer Al Rashidi

Abstract: The Mar Menor is the second largest coastal lagoon in the Mediterranean Sea with a surface area of about 136 km2. It is restricted from the open sea by a sandy barrier system (La Manga) interrupted by three tidal inlets. As a result of high evaporation it is hypersaline (42-47 ppt) in parts. This study examines the factors leading to the rise in sea surface temperature in the Mar Menor through the analysis of long-term sea surface temperature using HadSST1.1 data together with shorter term MODIS and OISST data. A thermal box model has been constructed for the lagoon in an attempt to balance major heat sources and sinks. As well, a thermal probe was deployed in 0.3 m of water to evaluate the benthic flux of heat of the shelly fine sand that covers the lagoon seabed. Results show that the vertical thermal gradient in the seabed inverts between the day and night. Prior to 1980 there was no clear trend in SST and variations were strongly associated with the AMO and NAO. Post 1980, maximum summertime SST showed a steady increase of 0.34°C/decade. Cross-correlation of SST in the Mar Menor with external drivers showed that it is dominated by SST of the Western Mediterranean, followed by CO2, AMO and IOD. There was a strong inverse relationship with sun spot activity and the Spanish national GDP. There were no significant links in trends between SST in the Mar Menor and PDO, NAO or ENSO3,4 in a Spearman Rank order evaluation and PCA analysis.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Yuhe Tian

,

Jun Song

,

Junru Guo

,

Yanzhao Fu

,

Yu Cai

Abstract:

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration is a key indicator of coastal ecosystem health. Its spatio-temporal variability not only reflects primary productivity but also represents the ecosystem’s integrated response to climate change and human activities. To quantify long-term Chl-a trends in the Yellow and Bohai Seas and to identify regional differences across concentration levels, this study used a multi-source remote sensing reconstruction dataset generated with deep learning algorithms. By applying quantile regression, we characterized long-term Chl-a changes across different concentration percentiles. We also examined how environmental drivers—including sea surface temperature, mixed layer depth, wind speed, and sea surface height anomalies—shape long-term variability in representative marginal-sea environments such as eutrophic estuaries, aquaculture zones, and deep-water regions. Our results show that from 2005 to 2024, Chl-a concentrations in the Yellow and Bohai Seas decreased consistently across the 75th, 50th, and 25th percentiles, with decline rates of –4.82×10-3, –4.50×10-3, and –4.09×10-3 mg/(m³·a), respectively. The rate of change also displayed strong seasonal differences: the summer decline (–0.0638 mg/(m³·a)) was substantially greater than that in winter (–0.04 mg/(m³·a)). Spatially, reductions were more pronounced in high-concentration nearshore waters than in offshore regions. Analysis of underlying mechanisms indicates that mixed-layer depth and wind speed are the primary physical controls on Chl-a variability, though their impacts differ regionally. In nearshore areas such as Qinhuangdao, strong wind-wave disturbance and deepening of the mixed layer enhanced vertical mixing, leading to light limitation and sediment resuspension, ultimately suppressing phytoplankton growth and driving the observed Chl-a decline. In contrast, offshore waters were more strongly influenced by mesoscale processes such as fronts and eddies, with local physical forcing exerting comparatively weaker direct effects on phytoplankton dynamics. Overall, this study provides new insights for improving the modelling and management of coastal ecosystems under the combined pressures of climate change and anthropogenic activities.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Jean-Louis Pinault

Abstract: Geostrophic current velocity anomalies at the mid-latitudes of the three oceans are highlighted, and their role in the genesis of low-pressure systems in boreal/austral winter. These anomalies are attributed to quasi-stationary Rossby waves resonantly forced by the solar declination in harmonic modes. They develop along the western boundary currents as they leave the continents to re-enter the five subtropical gyres. In the North and South Atlantic, the thermocline behaves as a resonant cavity with rigid boundaries at the edges of the western boundary currents, i.e. the Gulf Stream and the Brazil Current, traversed by first-baroclinic mode, first-meridional mode Rossby waves. In the Indian Ocean, the retroflection of the Agulhas Current south of the African continent causes resonance in two different ways west and east of the Cape of Good Hope: resonance of second-baroclinic mode Rossby waves in the first case, and first-baroclinic mode Rossby waves in the second. The resonant forcing of second-baroclinic mode Rossby waves is also observed in the East Australian Current as it flows along Australia. In the North Pacific, resonant forcing of first-baroclinic mode Rossby waves is observed along the Kuroshio, off the east coast of Japan. Geostrophic current velocity anomalies are proving to be convective zones with a significant climatic impact. Within relevant period ranges, this is highlighted by the close coherence of 1 in the geopotential height anomalies at 500 hPa revealing a causal relationship between the geostrophic current velocity anomalies and the formation of low-pressure systems. The objective of this study is to identify the phenomena that precede the formation of winter low-pressure systems at mid-latitudes. The precursor signals observed in convective zones could be relevant candidates for anticipating these meteorological phenomena 10 to 15 days in advance using deep learning techniques.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Tongmu Liu

,

Baocheng Zhou

,

Xinwen Zhang

,

Tianhao Jian

,

Hua Huang

Abstract: Obtaining real-time data from the deep ocean remains a major challenge in marine observation. This study presents a deep-sea mooring system that integrates inductive telemetry (EUM6000 modules) with Tiantong satellite communication to achieve real-time, long-term hydrological monitoring in the South China Sea. The system incorporated 25 sensors, including CTDs and ADCPs, and was deployed at a depth of 1247 meters. Over one year of continuous operation, it maintained a data reception rate >90%, with a latency of < 15 minutes from seabed to shore. Compared to acoustic-based systems, the inductive telemetry design significantly improved energy efficiency and reliability. The high-resolution multi-sensor data provide valuable insights into ocean dynamics and support applications in climate research and disaster early warning. This system offers a robust solution for real-time deep-sea observation and serves as a reference for future ocean network development.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Xia Lin

,

Yingrui Zhu

,

Weijia Li

,

Meibing Jin

,

Jingyi Huang

,

Xiuhao Guo

,

Xiaochun Wang

,

Jianfen Wei

,

Zhitong Lai

Abstract: Amplified Arctic warming has led to a pervasive decline in sea ice cover over recent decades, yet the pattern and governing mechanisms of sea-ice concentration (SIC) state transitions remain unclear. This study reveals a stepwise reduction in ice extent during 1979-1991, 1992-2006, and 2007-2024, with pronounced regional SIC contrasts in these transitions. September-mean sea ice in the 70°N-80°N Arctic belt undergoes sustained and significant retreat across three periods, while localized ice gains emerge north of Greenland. In February, the Greenland and Barents Seas exhibit persistent ice loss, whereas the central Arctic Ocean shows significant ice increases. Enhanced ice-albedo feedback, together with concurrent rises in 2-m air temperature and sea surface temperature, dominates ice loss across the 70°N-80°N Arctic belt and the Greenland and Barents Seas. Meanwhile, wind-driven ice convergence promotes localized ice gains north of Greenland in September and within the central Arctic Ocean in February, with both mechanisms amplified during 2007-2024. These findings underscore the spatial heterogeneity of Arctic SIC transitions and highlight the complex interplay of thermodynamic and dynamic processes shaping them.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Lara Mills

,

Juan L. Garzon

,

Flávio Martins

Abstract: Simulating wave propagation is crucial for forecasting processes offshore and near the coast. Many operational wave models consider only atmospheric and wave forcing as boundary conditions. However, waves and currents are interdependent and simulating their interaction is crucial for accurately representing wave propagation. This study examines the influence of current velocity and water levels on waves in the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. These forcing elements were simulated by a 3D hydrodynamic model MOHID and included in the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) model. The standalone SWAN model was calibrated and validated by comparing results of significant wave height, mean wave direction, and peak period with in-situ observations. Then, the effects of water levels and current velocities on wave propagation were assessed by forcing the SWAN model with water levels as well as current velocities extracted from different depths: the surface layer and depth-averaged velocities from the surface down to 10 m, 20 m, and the full water column. The results revealed that incorporating current velocity and water levels from MOHID in the SWAN model reduced RMSE between 1.6% and 27.6%. The most accurate results were achieved with model runs that included both current velocity from the surface layer and water levels. Opposing currents resulted in increases in wave height whereas following currents resulted in decreases in wave height. This work presents novel results on the effects of hydrodynamics on wave propagation along the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, a region of key importance for the blue economy.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Metzli Romero Robles

,

David Alberto Salas de León

Abstract: This study examines the hydrodynamic conditions of the Gulf of California under three climate change scenarios—SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5—projected from 2015 to 2100 using the CNRM-CM6-1-HR global climate model. It evaluates changes in the annual and interannual variability of sea surface temperature (SST), ocean circulation, and key dynamic forcing mechanisms. The results reveal a general warming trend across the Gulf, characterized by an increased frequency of extreme heat events and a prolonged summer season. The Great Islands region emerges as the most resilient to climate change, with tidal forces remaining the dominant hydrodynamic driver. In contrast, the southern Gulf—from the mid-Gulf boundary to the entrance—is identified as the most vulnerable area, experiencing the highest number of extreme events and a more significant reduction in wind speed. This decline is particularly critical, as it affects essential oceanographic processes such as upwelling.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Lorenzo F. Davoli

,

Agostino N. Meroni

,

Claudia Pasquero

Abstract: Sea surface temperature (SST) gradients modulate surface wind variability at the mesoscale O(100 km), with relevant impacts on surface fluxes, rainfall, cloudiness and storms. The dependence of the SST-wind coupling mechanisms on environmental conditions has been proven using global ERA5 reanalysis data. However, recent literature calls for the need of an observational confirmation to overcome the limitations of numerical models in representing such turbulent processes. Here, we employ O(10 km) MetOp A observations of surface wind and SST to verify the dependence of the downward momentum mixing (DMM) mechanism on large-scale wind U and atmospheric stability. We propose a simple empirical model describing the scaling of the coupling intensity on U, accounting for the role of the characteristic SST length scale LSST and the boundary layer height h in determining the decoupling of the atmospheric response from the SST forcing due to advection. Fitting such a model to the observations we retrieve a scaling with U that depends on the atmospheric stability, in agreement with the literature. The physical interpretation from ERA5 is confirmed, albeit relevant discrepancies emerge in stable regimes and specific regional contexts. This suggests that global numerical models are not able to properly reproduce the coupling in certain conditions, which might have important implication on air-sea fluxes.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Aubrey Trapp

,

Andrew Baker

,

Kendra Hayashi

,

Raphael M Kudela

Abstract: Domoic acid (DA), produced by Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms, is the one of the major toxin threats from harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the west coast of the United States. DA events vary in magnitude, timing, and duration, and understanding drivers for indi-vidual events is a persistent challenge. Monterey Bay experiences near-annual DA events and hosts long-term HAB monitoring at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf (SCW). Here we characterize two toxin events, occurring in May 2023 and March 2024. The events were similar in magnitude and duration, but an exploration of physical, biological, and chemical dynamics revealed distinct environmental drivers. These differences resulted in a significant deviation in cellular DA (cDA) within the same species of Pseudo-nitzschia. We also include a novel application of solid phase adsorption toxin tracking (SPATT) for environmental metabolomics. Opportunistic SPATT samples showed 159 metabolites that were strongly correlated with DA in both events and produced a spectral match to a new marine natural product using Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). This work takes a multivariable approach to understanding toxin drivers and lends proof of concept for the integration of environmental metabolomics in HAB monitoring.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Vassilis Galanos

,

Vasilis Trygonis

,

Antonios D. Mazaris

,

Stelios Katsanevakis

Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring is a key tool for studying underwater soundscapes and assessing anthropogenic impacts, yet the high cost of hydrophones limits large-scale deployment and citizen science participation. We present the design, construction, and field evaluation of a low-cost hydrophone unit integrated into an acoustic toolkit. The hydrophone, built from off-the-shelf components at a cost of ~20 €, was paired with a commercially available handheld recorder, resulting in a complete system priced at ~50 €. Four field experiments in Greek coastal waters validated hydrophone performance across a marine protected area, commercial port, aquaculture site, and coastal reef. Recordings were compared with those from a calibrated scientific hydrophone (SNAP, Loggerhead Instruments). Results showed that the low-cost hydrophones were mechanically robust and consistently detected most anthropogenic sounds also identified by the reference instrument, though their performance was poor at low frequencies (< 200 Hz) and susceptible to mid-frequency (3 kHz) resonance issues. Despite these constraints, the toolkit demonstrates potential for large-scale, low-budget passive acoustic monitoring and outreach applications, offering a scalable solution for citizen scientists, educational programs, and research groups with limited resources.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Larisa Pautova

,

Vladimir Silkin

,

Marina Kravchishina

,

Alexey Klyuvitkin

Abstract: During the 84th cruise of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in August 2021, patterns of phytoplankton composition transformation were revealed along a northward gradient. The study involved three transects in the Fram Strait and adjacent Arctic waters: a southern transect (from the Barents Sea shelf to the Greenland shelf), a central transect across the Fram Strait, and a northern transect along the ice edge. Ten species of diatoms and eleven of dinoflagellates were identified, and their ecological preferences were characterized by determining the minimum, maximum, mean, and median values for abundance, biomass, depth of the biomass maximum, salinity, temperature, and the concentrations and ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon. All identified species are of Atlantic origin. In summer, within the relatively warm Atlantic Waters, phytoplankton biomass was dominated by dinoflagellates of the genus Tripos and Protoperidinium depressum. Diatoms contributed insignificantly, with Stephanopyxis turris, Navicula planamembranacea, and Thalassiosira gravida being the most frequently observed. Northward, towards the Fram Strait, the dinoflagellate community shifted to include Protoperidinium breve, Protoperidinium brevipes, and Prorocentrum cordatum, while diatoms were increasingly represented by Thalassiosira rotula, Chaetoceros borealis, and Rhizosolenia styliformis. A further decline in temperature and salinity favored the dominance of the dinoflagellates Protoperidinium pellucidum and Gyrodinium lachryma, and the diatoms Eucampia groenlandica, Rhizosolenia hebetata f. semispina, and Rhizosolenia hebetata f. hebetata. The dinoflagellates Protoperidinium granii and Protoperidinium islandicum, along with the diatom Porosira glacialis, thrived at the lowest temperatures and salinities. Diatoms generally grew at silicon concentrations of 1–3 µM and nitrogen concentrations above 1 µM, except for R. hebetata f. semispina, R. hebetata f. hebetata, and Porosira glacialis. The dinoflagellates P. depressum, P. islandicum, P. brevipes, P. breve, and Gyrodinium lachryma were associated with lower nitrogen concentrations (< 2 µM), while others preferred higher levels. Diatom biomass was regulated by ambient nitrogen concentration, whereas dinoflagellate biomass was correlated with the biomass of small flagellates.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Ian R. Jenkinson

,

Tom H. Ryan

Abstract: Mesoplankton (netplankton >250 µm) were sampled over one year at three stations in the Shannon Estuary system, Ireland. A net with three mesh sizes was used to capture a wider range of plankton sizes than a standard single-mesh net. An innovation was the incorporation factorial analysis of celestial (seasonal) variables, spring equinox (Spr) and summer solstice (Sum), together with physicochemical and biological variables, without presuming cause or effect. Principal Component Analysis extracted dimensions D1, D2, and D3 accounting for 26%, 17%, and 12% of the variance, respectively. In the D1-D3 plane, Spr and Sum were positioned ~90° apart. Theapproximate trophic impact of by major taxa was estimated from abundance and published clearance rates. Overall, the mean herbivorous/detritivorous clearance by mesoplankton was 54 L·m⁻³·d⁻¹. Of this, mysids, Mesopodopsis slabberi (predominantly April–November), contributed 96.3% and the appendicularian Oikopleura dioica (May–October) 2.0% (nano- and pico-plankton) and copepods only 0.98%. The ctenophore Pleurobrachia pileus (present April–October) cleared an 2.0% (carnivorous clearance). Mysids and copepods contributed additional unquantified carnivorous clearance. These data, collected 45 years ago, provide a valuable baseline for assessing subsequent ecological changes.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Oceanography

Weijie Ma

,

Wenjing Zhang

,

Shouxian Zhu

Abstract: This study investigated the vertical structure of an anticyclonic eddy (AE) in the northern South China Sea (SCS) in August 2017 and its response to Typhoon Hato using underwater glider and satellite altimeter data. Additionally, comparative experiments with and without typhoon forcing were conducted using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) for supplementary analysis. The observational results reveal that the maximum temperature and salinity differences between the center and edge of the AE did not occur at the sea surface but near the 100 m depth. The typhoon caused a significant temperature decrease above 200 m, with the maximum cooling (~2°C) occurring near 50 m. Near this depth, salinity initially increased due to upwelling but later decreased due to surface mixing. The most pronounced cooling and salinity changes occurred one day after the typhoon passage, followed by a gradual deepening of the mixed layer over the next four days, with conditions below the mixed layer largely returning to pre-typhoon states. Numerical modeling quantitatively assessed the typhoon's impacts. Upwelling rapidly intensified during the typhoon’s passage, the typhoon’s wind stress decreased kinetic energy at the AE site, while the input of positive vorticity reduced absolute vorticity, disrupting the surface AE structure. The flow field adjusted faster than temperature and salinity, with surface currents and the AE structure largely recovering within two days after the typhoon’s passage. These findings highlight the multifaceted impacts of typhoon on AE and provide critical insights for predicting the evolution of mesoscale oceanic structures under extreme weather events.

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