Phytoplankton Community Structure in 2011–2013 Compared to the Extratropical Warming Event of 2014–2015

Coastal waters of the Northern California Current experienced “normal” ocean conditions in 2011–2012, weak upwelling in 2013–2014, then suddenly warmed in September 2014. The response of phytoplankton community structure to contrasting ocean conditions was determined from samples collected off Newpo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2018-02, Vol.45 (3), p.1534-1540
Main Authors: Du, X., Peterson, W. T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abundance
Anomalies
Bacillariophyta
California Current
Cluster analysis
Coastal waters
Communities
Community structure
Diatoms
Dinoflagellates
Microorganisms
Ocean circulation
Oceans
Oregon
Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Phytoplankton
Plankton
Ratios
Silicates
the Blob
Upwelling
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Summary:Coastal waters of the Northern California Current experienced “normal” ocean conditions in 2011–2012, weak upwelling in 2013–2014, then suddenly warmed in September 2014. The response of phytoplankton community structure to contrasting ocean conditions was determined from samples collected off Newport, Oregon. Cluster analysis identified three prominent phytoplankton community types: one that occurred during the upwelling season characterized by the highest abundance and diversity of diatoms, a preupwelling/relaxation community characterized by lower abundance, lowest diversity of diatoms and dinoflagellates, and another one associated with the warm anomalies from September 2014 through 2015 with reduced diatom abundance and diversity but the highest dinoflagellate diversity. The changes of diatom and dinoflagellate community were correlated with local factors (silicate, silicate: nitrate ratios, temperature, and salinity), and with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Key Points Coastal waters off Oregon were anomalously warm in 2014–2015 compared to 2011–2012 Diatom production reduced but dinoflagellate diversity and abundance increased from September 2014 through 2015 Local (upwelling and nutrients) and basin scale (e.g., PDO) drivers together accounted for changes in phytoplankton community
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1002/2017GL076199