Large eddy simulation of subsurface phytoplankton dynamics: an optimum condition for chlorophyll patchiness induced by Langmuir circulations

Brereton, Ashley; Siddons, Joseph; Lewis, David. 2018 Large eddy simulation of subsurface phytoplankton dynamics: an optimum condition for chlorophyll patchiness induced by Langmuir circulations. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 593. 15-27. 10.3354/meps12490

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps12490

Abstract/Summary

Phytoplankton patchiness occurs on a plethora of spatial and temporal scales which can be extremely patchy in both horizontal and vertical directions. This patchiness directly affects the dynamics of the overall bloom, so understanding the mechanisms for patchiness to occur on each scale is therefore integral to the understanding of plankton bloom dynamics as a whole. This modelling study aims to introduce a mechanism for patch formations which has had very little exposure, but is ubiquitous to the oceanic mixed layer – patchiness induced by the interaction between the nutrient upwelling and Langmuir circulations. By combining a Large-Eddy Simulation which resolves Langmuir circulations, with a Nutrient-Phytoplankton-Zooplankton biological model, one can examine the horizontal and vertical patchiness which results from a flux of nutrients into the bottom of the mixed layer. Here, phytoplankton form significant horizontal patchiness in a depth interval where vertical currents from Langmuir cells are apparent and turbulent mixing is not; this comprises the lower region of the surface mixed layer. Aggregations have frequently been observed in lower regions of the surface mixed layer and have been attributed to the high nutrient flux associated with the pycnocline. This modelling study also shows patches occurring in this region and it is hypothesised that Langmuir cells are a catalyst for patchiness. The results clearly demonstrate that for certain levels of wind forcing, which are strong enough to introduce turbulent mixing only to the upper part of the mixed layer whilst inducing deeper Langmuir circulation, patchiness is greatly enhanced.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.3354/meps12490
ISSN:	0171-8630
Date made live:	06 Feb 2018 14:49 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/519235

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.3354/meps12490

ISSN:

0171-8630

Date made live:

06 Feb 2018 14:49 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/519235