Features of Seasonal Variability of Chlorophyll a Concentration in Different Regions of the Southern Atlantic Based on Satellite Data

Ya. I. Bakueva✉, E. A. Kubryakova, A. A. Kubryakov

Marine Hydrophysical Institute of RAS, Sevastopol, Russian Federation

✉ e-mail: yasya1egupova@gmail.com

Abstract

Purpose. Based on the long-term satellite optical measurements, the work is to study seasonal variability of the chlorophyll a concentration on the sea surface in different regions of the Southern Atlantic, determine its spatial features, identify the areas where the values of the chlorophyll a concentration are maximum, and to analyze the reasons for its increase in these regions.

Methods and Results. The data on the chlorophyll a concentration obtained from the MODIS-Aqua measurements for 2002–2019 in the region 30°–80°S, 70°W – 25°E were used. Spatial variability of the surface chlorophyll a concentration, its seasonal dynamics and the time of the seasonal peak occurrence were studied. Four zones of local maxima of the chlorophyll a concentration were identified (the Argentinean shelf, the islands of South Georgia, the area of water removal from the Antarctic Peninsula and the Antarctic shelf east of the Weddell Sea); for each of them the features of seasonal variability were analyzed in details.

Conclusions. In agreement with the previous papers, the peak chlorophyll a concentration and the beginning of bloom in the regions under study are observed later than in the high latitudes: in the northern part – in November – December, and in the southern one – in January – February. The exception consists in the quite extensive areas to the east of the nutrients powerful sources (islands, shelf waters), where the time of occurrence of the chlorophyll a concentration peak values is related to the advection impact, that results in its arising with a delay which is required for transferring the nutrients by the currents. The basic factors promoting appearance of the areas with the increased chlorophyll a concentrations are the interaction between the topography features and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current fronts, and ice melting in the marginal zone.

Keywords

Southern Atlantic, concentration of chlorophyll a, MODIS-Aqua, phytoplankton, seasonal variability, Antarctic shelf, satellite data, Weddell Sea, South Georgia Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, shelf

Acknowledgements

Analysis of seasonal variability of chlorophyll a concentration and data processing were supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant 21-77-10059, data processing was carried out within the framework of state assignment FNNN-2021-0003, and features of spatial variability of chlorophyll a concentration were studied within the framework of state assignment FNNN-2021-0010.

Original russian text

Original Russian Text © Ya. I. Bakueva, E. A. Kubryakova, A. A. Kubryakov, 2023, published in MORSKOY GIDROFIZICHESKIY ZHURNAL, Vol. 39, Iss. 1, pp. 31-51 (2023)

For citation

Bakueva, Ya.I., Kubryakova, E.A. and Kubryakov, A.A., 2023. Features of Seasonal Variability of Chlorophyll a Concentration in Different Regions of the Southern Atlantic Based on Satellite Data. Physical Oceanography, 30(1), pp. 27-46. doi:10.29039/1573-160X-2023-1-27-46

DOI

10.29039/1573-160X-2023-1-27-46

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