Linking ocean colour features in the Western Iberian margin to wave-induced sediment resuspension and coccolithophore patches

• Published in: Continental shelf research 2021-08, Vol.225, p.104482, Article 104482
• Main Authors: Valente, André, da Silva, José C.B., Brotas, Vanda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coastal ocean; Coccolithophores; Ocean colour; Satellite observations; Turbidity; Western Iberia
• ISSN: 0278-4343; 1873-6955
• DOI: 10.1016/j.csr.2021.104482

Two ocean colour features in the western Iberian margin (western Europe) were described in present work. They were identified in 10 years (2002–2012) of MODIS-AQUA normalized water-leaving radiance (nLw) at 555 nm and their causes were investigated using complementary satellite, in-situ and model data. One feature was a band of high nLw555 (>0.8 mW cm−2 μm−1 sr−1) with exceptionally large widths (>20 km) along the coast. Over the 10-year period, this wide coastal band of high nLw555 only occurred during winter, following better the increases in wave height, than the increases in precipitation and river discharge. The band seemed particularly associated with episodes of large wave heights (>6 m), under weak thermal stratification and northerly winds. Findings suggest that the band is the signature of exceptional offshore extensions of the more reflective turbid coastal waters, as a result of wave-induced sediment resuspension along the coast. The other feature consisted in areas of equally high nLw555, but separated from the coast by more than 40 km. These offshore areas of high nLw555 shared spectral signatures of phytoplankton, namely coccolithophores, typically formed during spring following water column re-stratification and reached larger areas after winters with deeper oceanic mixed layers. Less commonly, they also occurred from summer to autumn. Results indicate they are mainly the signature of enhanced coccolithophore abundances that also create turbid reflective waters due to their calcite plates. The used methodology separated the two features in time and therefore seems to allow for satellite monitoring of sediment resuspension and coccolithophore blooms off west Iberia and similar coastal environments, which is particularly relevant for detecting events of sediment transport, potentially linked to water quality problems, and long-term changes in phytoplankton composition. •The origins of two ocean colour features in western Iberia margin were investigated.•Coastal bands of high reflectivity were linked to wave-induced sediment resuspension.•Offshore areas of high reflectivity were related to coccolithophore patches.•Method has applicability in monitoring suspended sediments and coccolithophores.