The influence of island-generated eddies on chlorophyll distribution: a study of mesoscale variation around Gran Canaria

This study reports hydrographic and biological observations from three cruises where cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies were observed downstream of Gran Canaria island. Based on field data and remote sensing images (AVHRR and CZCS), two mechanisms associated with island-generated eddies, largely respo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Deep-sea research. Part I, Oceanographic research papers Oceanographic research papers, 1997, Vol.44 (1), p.71-96
Main Authors: Arístegui, J., Tett, P., Hernández-Guerra, A., Basterretxea, G., Montero, M.F., Wild, K., Sangrá, P., Hernández-Leon, S., Canton, M., García-Braun, J.A., Pacheco, M., Barton, E.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Islands
Marine
Oceanography
Physics of the oceans
Thermohaline structure and circulation. Turbulence and diffusion
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study reports hydrographic and biological observations from three cruises where cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies were observed downstream of Gran Canaria island. Based on field data and remote sensing images (AVHRR and CZCS), two mechanisms associated with island-generated eddies, largely responsible for the formation and distribution of chlorophyll around the Canary Islands, are proposed. First, nutrient pumping and vertical uplifting of the deep chlorophyll maximum by cyclonic eddies might represent important sources of primary production in the oligotrophic waters of the Canary region. Second, eddies are responsible for the horizontal transport and distribution of chlorophyll originating near the islands or off the African coast. Water with high chlorophyll content, resulting from island stirring or local upwelling at the flanks of the islands, is incorporated into cyclonic eddies in their development and subsequently transported downstream. On the other hand, anticyclonic eddies can also entrain water rich in chlorophyll when interacting with the offshore boundary of the African coastal upwelling. This chlorophyll will be advected southward as the eddy drifts. The recurrence of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies, together with the presence of upwelling filaments throughout the year, must have important biological consequences in the formation and transport of organic matter in the Canary region. reserved
ISSN:0967-0637
1879-0119
DOI:10.1016/S0967-0637(96)00093-3