Variability in phytoplankton community structure in response to the North Atlantic Oscillation and implications for organic carbon flux

Henson, Stephanie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3875-6802; Lampitt, Richard; Johns, David. 2012 Variability in phytoplankton community structure in response to the North Atlantic Oscillation and implications for organic carbon flux. Limnology and Oceanography, 57 (6). 1591-1601. https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2012.57.6.1591

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Abstract/Summary

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a major mode of variability in the North Atlantic, dominating atmospheric and oceanic conditions. Here, we examine the phytoplankton community-structure response to the NAO using the Continuous Plankton Recorder data set. In the Northeast Atlantic, in the transition region between the gyres, variability in the relative influence of subpolar or subtropical-like conditions is reflected in the physical environment. During positive NAO periods, the region experiences subpolar-like conditions, with strong wind stress and deep mixed layers. In contrast, during negative NAO periods, the region shifts toward more subtropical-like conditions. Diatoms dominate the phytoplankton community in positive NAO periods, whereas in negative NAO periods, dinoflagellates outcompete diatoms. The implications for interannual variability in deep ocean carbon flux are examined using data from the Porcupine Abyssal Plain time-series station. Contrary to expectations, carbon flux to 3000 m is enhanced when diatoms are outcompeted by other phytoplankton functional types. Additionally, highest carbon fluxes were not associated with an increase in biomineral content, which implies that ballasting is not playing a dominant role in controlling the flux of material to the deep ocean in this region. In transition zones between gyre systems, phytoplankton populations can change in response to forcing induced by opposing NAO phases.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2012.57.6.1591
Programmes:	NOC Programmes > Ocean Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems NOC Programmes
ISSN:	00243590
Date made live:	03 Dec 2012 16:17 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/445845

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2012.57.6.1591

Programmes:

NOC Programmes > Ocean Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems
NOC Programmes

ISSN:

00243590

Date made live:

03 Dec 2012 16:17 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/445845