Seasonality in Phytoplankton Blooms at the Martha's Vineyard Coastal Observatory
Heidi
M.
Sosik, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, hsosik@whoi.edu
(Presenting)
Steven
J.
Lentz, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, slentz@whoi.edu
John
L.
Wilkin, Rutgers University, wilkin@marine.rutgers.edu
Robert
J.
Olson, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, rolson@whoi.edu
New insights into the processes controlling seasonal variability of phytoplankton biomass on continental shelves require interdisciplinary time series observations. We are taking advantage of new observing technologies and the capabilities of the Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Observatory (MVCO) to focus on processes over the inner shelf off the northeast coast of the US. Our approach combines analysis of satellite imagery, numerical simulations with the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS), and long-term, in-situ measurements of physical, chemical and biological variables, including phytoplankton community composition from submersible flow cytometry. Observations to date highlight an annual cycle with diatom bloom events on scales of weeks throughout fall and winter, contrasted with lower biomass periods dominated by small-celled taxa during late spring and summer. Despite the proximity of MVCO to the coast (~3 km), these patterns are well resolved in SeaWiFS and MODIS observations. On-going activities are focused on effects of wind- and wave-driven processes that may provide nutrients to sustain recurrent fall and winter blooms over the inner shelf. We are also using ROMS to track the Lagrangian trajectories of passive particles that reach MVCO at the times of winter bloom events. This indicates likely source regions and the time scales of transport, while satellite observations provide regional context and spatial scales for bloom events.
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