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Cited by 253Marine and coastal ecosystemsOceanographic and Atmospheric ProcessesAquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics

On the seasonal phytoplankton concentration and sea surface temperature cycles of the Gulf of Mexico as determined by satellites

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Müller‐Karger, Frank E., Walsh, John J., Evans, Robert H., Meyers, Mark B.·1991·Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
DOI 10.1029/91jc00787
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Abstract

Monthly climatologies of near‐surface phytoplankton pigment concentration and sea surface temperature (SST) were derived for the Gulf of Mexico from multiyear series of coastal zone color scanner (CZCS) (November 1978 to November 1985) and advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) (January 1983 to December 1987) images. We complement these series with SST from the comprehensive ocean‐atmosphere data set (1946–1987) and Climate Analysis Center (1982–1990), and hydrographic profile data from the NOAA National Oceanographic Data Center (1914–1985). The CZCS ocean color satellite data provide the first climatological time series of phytoplankton concentration for the region. The CZCS images show that seasonal variation in pigment concentration seaward of the shelf is synchronous throughout the gulf, with highest values (>0.18 mg m−3) in December to February and lowest values (∼0.06 mg m−3) in May to July. Variation in SST is also synchronous throughout the gulf, with maxima in July to September and minima in February to March, The amplitude of the SST variation in the western gulf is about twice that observed in the eastern gulf, and SST maxima and minima persist longer in the west. Larger amplitudes in SST variation are also observed toward the margins. While annual cycles of SST and pigment concentrations are out of phase relative to each other, the phases of mixed layer depth change and pigment concentration change are similar. Model simulations suggest that the single most important factor controlling the seasonal cycle in surface pigment concentration is the depth of the mixed layer. The combined use of ocean color and infrared images permits year‐round observation of spatial structure of the surface circulation in the gulf and the pattern of dispersal of the Mississippi River plume. Infrared images are most useful between November and mid‐May, when strong SST gradients occur. During this time, pigment concentrations are high and can be horizontally homogeneous. In contrast, between late May and October, SST fields are uniform, but the Loop Current and large anticyclonic eddies could be traced with the CZCS. Three anticyclonic eddies were observed in 1979, and at least two were observed in 1980. No eddies were observed during summers of subsequent years in the CZCS time series, but this may be a result of the dramatic decrease in the satellite sampling rate. The series of color images showed that small parcels of Mississippi River water were frequently (2–4 times a year) entrained in the cyclonic edge of the Loop Current, stretched along the Current, and carried to the southeast along the western Florida shelf. However, most of the Mississippi River water flowed to the west, following the Louisiana‐Texas coast as far south as the Mexico‐United States border. Here, a persistent cyclone may reside, exporting shelf constituents to deeper regions of the gulf.

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  • In the Gulf of Mexico, surface temperatures during summer months reach 29 to 31°C, with no cooler waters nearby.

    “where surface temperatures during summer months reach 29 to 31°C, with no cooler waters nearby (Muller-Karger et al. 1991).”

    From Comparison between environmental characteristics of larval bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus habitat in the Gulf of Mexico and western Mediterranean Sea (2013) · cites this paper as Muller-Karger et al. 1991

    The sea-surface-temperature discussion (page not available in our copy) reports that the eastern and western Gulf subregions had similar temperatures above 29°C from July through September. It does not establish that temperatures reached 31°C or that there were no cooler waters nearby beyond those two subregions. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Temperature stress may be more of a factor in the Gulf of Mexico than in the Mediterranean.

    “Temperature stress may be more of a factor in the GOM, where surface temperatures during summer months reach 29 to 31°C, with no cooler waters nearby (Muller-Karger et al. 1991).”

    From Comparison between environmental characteristics of larval bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus habitat in the Gulf of Mexico and western Mediterranean Sea (2013) · cites this paper as Muller-Karger et al. 1991

    The paper’s sea-surface-temperature discussion reports that both eastern and western Gulf regions had temperatures above 29°C from July through September. It does not establish the full 29–31°C range, assess temperature stress, or say that no cooler waters were nearby; it also does not compare the Gulf with the Mediterranean. The relevant passage is in the section labeled “32” in our copy (page number unavailable). (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

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Research works printed but not linked: 53

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Authors
Müller‐Karger, F. E., Walsh, J. J., Evans, R. H., & Meyers, M. B.
Affiliations
  • University of South Florida St. Petersburg (US)
  • University of Miami (US)
ORCID
Walsh, John J.
Venue
Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Published
1991-07-15
Volume
96
Issue
C7
Pages
12645-12665
ISSN
0148-0227 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1029/91jc00787
OpenAlex
W2133454557
Cited by
252
References
78
Citations by year
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FWCI
5.35
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 7738 d)
Locations
  • Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres (publishedVersion)
  • Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR) (acceptedVersion)
  • Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Department of Energy
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • University of Miami
  • University of South Florida
  • Goddard Space Flight Center
  • Office of Naval Research (N00014)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Oceanography › Marine and coastal ecosystems
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Oceanography › Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
Keywords
phytoplankton concentration, sea surface temperature, seasonal cycle, Gulf of Mexico, ocean color, Coastal Zone Color Scanner, AVHRR, mixed layer depth, Mississippi River plume, Loop Current, anticyclonic eddies, surface circulation, sea surface temperature gradient, satellite remote sensing of ocean, climatology

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