Monthly variability in upper ocean biogeochemistry due to mesoscale eddy activity in the Saragasso Sea

Sweeney, Erin

doi:10.1575/1912/3044

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…Organic matter production and its subsequent cycling by zooplankton and microbes are key processes in carbon export. Several studies suggest that mesoscale features may have a major impact on upper ocean biogeochemistry by enhancing biological activity (Falkowski et al, 1991;Sweeney, 2001;Bidigare et al, 2003;Benitez-Nelson et al, 2007;McGillicuddy et al, 2007). Recently, intense effort has been focused on complex multidisciplinary mesoscale programs, like E-Flux (North Pacific) and EDDIES (EDdy Dynamics, mixing, Export, and Species composition, North Atlantic) to address the role of mesoscale eddies in downward export flux.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional and temporal variability of sinking organic matter in the subtropical northeast Atlantic Ocean: a biomarker diagnosis

et al. 2010

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Abstract. Sinking particles through the pelagic ocean have been traditionally considered the most important vehicle by which the biological pump sequesters carbon in the ocean interior. Nevertheless, regional scale variability in particle flux is a major outstanding issue in oceanography. Here, we have studied the regional and temporal variability of total particulate organic matter fluxes, as well as chloropigment and total hydrolyzed amino acid (THAA) compositions and fluxes in the Canary Current region, between 20-30 • N, during two contrasting periods: August 2006, characterized by warm and stratified waters, but also intense winds which enhanced eddy development south of the Canary Islands, and February 2007, characterized by colder waters, less stratification and higher productivity. We found that the eddyfield generated south of the Canary Islands enhanced by >2 times particulate organic carbon (POC) export with respect to stations (FF; far-field) outside the eddy-field influence. We also observed flux increases of one order of magnitude in chloropigment and 2 times in THAA in the eddy-field relative to FF stations. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was performed to assess changes in particulate organic matter composition between stations. At eddy-field stations, higher chlorophyll enrichment reflected "fresher" material, while at FF stations a higher proportion of pheophytin indicated greater degradation due to microbes and microzooplankton. PCA also suggests that phytoplankton community structure, particularly the dominance of diatoms versus carbonate-rich plankton, is the major factor influencing the POC export within the eddy field. In February, POC export

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regional and temporal variability of sinking organic matter in the subtropical northeast Atlantic Ocean: a biomarker diagnosis

et al. 2010

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“…Rates of carbon export within these features are generally thought to be stimulated by the input of growth‐limiting nutrients that results from the upward displacement of nutrient‐rich isopycnal surfaces, higher upwelling velocities, and/or larger vertical eddy diffusion coefficients. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of studies that have documented eddy‐stimulated increases in carbon export [ Honjo et al , 1999; Sweeney , 2001]. In the lee of the main Hawaiian Islands, local topography and prevailing northeasterly trade winds combine to generate a vigorous and continuous eddy field [ Seki et al , 2001].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of a cyclonic eddy on microheterotroph biomass and carbon export in the lee of Hawaii

Bidigare

Benítez-Nelson

Leonard

et al. 2003

Geophysical Research Letters

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A multi‐platform sampling strategy was used to investigate carbon cycling in a cold‐core eddy that formed in the lee of Hawaii during September 2000. Microheterotroph biomass and 234Th‐derived carbon export rates within the eddy were 2 to 3 times higher than those observed for adjacent waters. If this eddy is representative of other cyclonic eddies that are frequently formed in the lee of Hawaii, then eddy activity may significantly enhance the areal efficiency of the biological pump and facilitate the transfer of organic carbon to organisms inhabiting the mesopelagic and abyssal‐benthic zones of this subtropical ecosystem.

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Biogeochemical impacts due to mesoscale eddy activity in the Sargasso Sea as measured at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS)

Sweeney

McGillicuddy

Buesseler

2003

Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography

201

205

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Monthly variability in upper ocean biogeochemistry due to mesoscale eddy activity in the Saragasso Sea

Cited by 7 publications

References 61 publications

Regional and temporal variability of sinking organic matter in the subtropical northeast Atlantic Ocean: a biomarker diagnosis

Regional and temporal variability of sinking organic matter in the subtropical northeast Atlantic Ocean: a biomarker diagnosis

Influence of a cyclonic eddy on microheterotroph biomass and carbon export in the lee of Hawaii

Biogeochemical impacts due to mesoscale eddy activity in the Sargasso Sea as measured at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS)

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