Elevated phytoplankton biomass in marginal seas in the low latitude ocean: A case study of the South China sea
Journal
Advances in Geosciences: Volume 18: Ocean Science (OS)
Pages
1��18��
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
The sea surface chlorophyll concentrations in low latitude marginal seas, such as the South China Sea or Gulf of Mexico, are higher than those in the adjacent open oceans by >60%, the biomass higher by >28% and primary productivity higher by >100%. It is demonstrated by a coupled physical-biogeochemical model of the South China Sea that the enhanced phytoplankton growth in the SCS is probably mainly caused by rich supply of nutrients from localized upwelling along margins of the basin, whereas the river-borne nutrients may contribute to the enhancement to a relatively small degree. Although the upwelling process is wind-driven, it is the confinement of the marginal seas by the surrounding land masses that gives rise to the occurrences of upwelling under certain favorable conditions.
SDGs
Type
book part