Journal
CONTINENTAL SHELF RESEARCH
Volume 32, Issue -, Pages 22-35Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.csr.2011.10.010
Keywords
Phytoplankton; Mixed layer depth; Leeuwin Current; Eastern Indian Ocean; Ningaloo Reef; ENSO
Categories
Funding
- CSIRO
- Western Australian Marine Science Institute
- Australian Research Council [DP0770094]
- Australian Research Council [DP0770094] Funding Source: Australian Research Council
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On a seasonal cycle, the phytoplankton biomass off the North West Cape region of Australia surrounding Ningaloo Reef increased during the austral autumn and peaked in winter. In this study, historical field data sets, satellite-derived ocean color observations and output from a data-assimilating numerical ocean model are used to investigate physical mechanisms that influence the seasonal variability in phytoplankton biomass off this coast. The mixed layer depth (MLD) off Ningaloo deepened to similar to 100 m in autumn, partly due to the acceleration of the Leeuwin Current, which induced an increase in nutrient concentrations and is the key mechanism responsible for the seasonal enhancement in chlorophyll a concentrations observed in the waters off Ningaloo Reef. By comparing the MLDs and the critical depth it is suggested that while average irradiance throughout the MLD was low, this had less impact on net growth than grazing. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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