On the Wind-Driven Formation of Plankton Patches in Island Wakes

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Abstract

Using a three-dimensional coupled physical–biological model, this paper explores the effect that short-lived wind events lasting a few days in duration have on the creation of phytoplankton blooms in island wakes. Findings show that wind-induced coastal upwelling creates initial nutrient enrichment and phytoplankton growth near the island, whereas an oscillating flow, typical of island wakes, expels patches of upwelled water, including its nutrient and phytoplankton loads, into the ambient ocean. Dependent on the wind direction, a short-lived wind event can create one or more plankton patches with diameters of the order of the island diameter. Phytoplankton continues to grow within floating patches, each forming an individual marine ecosystem. While the ecological features of island wakes are well documented, this study is the first that describes the significance of short-lived, transient wind-driven upwelling in the process.

Original languageEnglish
Article number193
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • plankton patches
  • island wakes
  • island mass effect
  • upwelling
  • hydrodynamic modeling

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