Work

Spatiotemporal impact of mesoscale eddies on chlorophyll-a concentration in the North Atlantic

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Mesoscale eddies play a crucial role in energy transport and ecological regulation in the North Atlantic Ocean. Methods Based on multi-source datasets, including satellite remote sensing and Argo float observations from 2009 to 2018, this study employs the Velocity Gradient Detection (VGD) method to identify eddy boundaries and cores, in combination with a spatiotemporal dynamic matching technique, to systematically analyze eddy characteristics and their impacts on chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations. Results Results show that eddy activity is predominantly concentrated in the Gulf Stream extension region (24°N–48°N, 40°W–60°W). Cyclonic eddies significantly elevate surface Chl-a concentrations (0.6–1.8 mg/m³) through upwelling processes, while anticyclonic eddies induce localized enrichment (15%–25% increase) along their peripheries, exhibiting marked seasonal variability. Vertical analysis reveals that eddy-induced Chl-a anomalies can peak at depths of 50–70 m, effectively enhancing subsurface primary productivity. Overall, eddy-driven Chl-a variations contribute approximately 20% to regional primary production. Discussion These findings highlight the functional importance of mesoscale eddies in regulating phytoplankton biomass and underscore their role in advancing our understanding of the marine carbon cycle under changing climate conditions.

Source: Frontiers in Marine Science

DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1608635

Authors: Jinghui Cai, Jialong Sun, Siyuan Qin, Yaonan Li

Institutions: Jiangsu Ocean University, Zhengzhou Professional Technical Institute of Electronic & Information

Language: English

Topic: Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801