The Effect of ENSO on the Variability of Chlorophyll-a and Sea Surface Temperature in the Maluku Sea

The Maluku Sea features strong Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) bloom and sea surface temperature (SST) cooling during the Southeast Monsoon season. Using high-resolution Chl-a and SST satellite observations over a long time window, this study aims to investigate the effect of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the seasonal variability of Chl-a and SST in the Maluku Sea. During the El Nino and La Nina, the maximum Chl-a concentration (greater than 0.5 mg/m(3)) and minimum SST (less than 27.5 degrees C) are observed in August. This finding is in line with prior investigation. Moreover, we reveal that the ENSO does not alter the seasonal variability of Chl-a and SST in the region, but the magnitudes of summertime Chl-a bloom and SST cooling are enhanced (reduced) by about 0.1 mg/m(3) and 0.5 degrees C during the El Nino (La Nina). This is caused by an increase (decrease) in the sea level pressure gradients, which possibly enhanced (reduced) wind-driven mixing in the Maluku Sea.