Physical controls and interannual variability of the Labrador Sea spring phytoplankton bloom in distinct regions

We investigated the variability of the spring phytoplankton bloom in the Labrador Sea, dividing into distinct biogeographical zones, then analyzing the relationship between the bloom and physical forcings. The spring phytoplankton bloom in the north Labrador Sea varied in intensity by a factor of 4 and in timing of onset by 3 weeks over the 11-year record from SeaWiFS satellite ocean chlorophyll, 1998–2008. This north bloom (north of 60 °N and west of the Labrador shelves) is earliest and most intense, owing in part to the offshore-directed freshwater stratification from the West Greenland Current. On interannual timescales, significant correlations were found between the north bloom intensity and ocean processes, namely offshore advection, eddy activity and runoff from Greenland. In contrast, the central Labrador Sea is later and weaker, and only a correlation between the bloom timing and irradiance was found. As the subpolar gyre shifts in strength and shape, freshwater outflow from the Arctic and Greenland changes, we may expect further changes in the biological response as indicated by these relationships.

seawifs, spring bloom, physical controls, biophysical interactions, interannual variability, subpolar north atlantic, labrador sea

10.1016/j.dsr.2010.01.003

0967-0637

541-552

Frajka-Williams, Eleanor

da86044e-0f68-4cc9-8f60-7fdbc4dc19cb

Rhines, Peter B.

d65c16e0-07f7-4f88-a68d-609765d34dec

April 2010

Frajka-Williams, Eleanor

da86044e-0f68-4cc9-8f60-7fdbc4dc19cb

Rhines, Peter B.

d65c16e0-07f7-4f88-a68d-609765d34dec

Frajka-Williams, Eleanor and Rhines, Peter B. (2010) Physical controls and interannual variability of the Labrador Sea spring phytoplankton bloom in distinct regions. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, 57 (4), 541-552. (doi:10.1016/j.dsr.2010.01.003).