Cross‐Shelf Carbon Transport in the East China Sea and Its Future Trend Under Global Warming

Abstract

The cross‐shelf carbon transports across a section along the 100 m isobath from Taiwan to Cheju are estimated based on carbon concentration observations and ocean currents simulated by a regionally zoomed ocean‐atmosphere coupled model. Results show that the net cross‐shelf particulate organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved inorganic carbon transports are in the offshore direction at 1.81 ± 0.22, 51.8 ± 2.85, and 783 ± 58.9 TgC yr−1, respectively, which are high in spring and summer and low in winter and fall following the seasonality of the offshore volume transport. The carbon is transported into the East China Sea (ECS) mainly by the Taiwan Warm Current and the Yellow Sea Warm Current, whereas they are carried out of the ECS mainly by the East China Sea Current extension and the recirculation north of Taiwan. Assuming steady biological activity, future net total organic carbon transports are projected to increase by 5%∼19% offshore at the end of the 21st century, with the maximum increase in winter, in a high greenhouse gas emission scenario of RCP8.5. The increased carbon transports are due to the increased offshore volume transport, transferring more carbon‐rich coastal water away from the shelf in the warming future than at present. The results quantify cross‐shelf carbon burial in the ECS in the background of global warming.

Spatiotemporal Protein Variations Based on VIIRS-Derived Regional Protein Algorithm in the Northern East China Sea

“…The northern East China Sea (NECS), located in northwestern Pacific Ocean, stands as one of the world's largest marginal seas, distinguished by its intricate system of dynamic currents, including the Tsushima Warm Current, Taiwan Warm Current, Yellow Sea Coastal Current, and Changjiang diluted water [1,2]. This complex environmental condition fosters abundant fishery resources, rendering the NECS a pivotal spawning ground for commercially significant species like anchovies and hairtail, vital to the Korean fishery industry [3].…”

“…In the context of phytoplankton research, regional studies play a pivotal role in unraveling the nuanced dynamics of marine ecosystems. The NECS, with its distinctive environmental features and intricate interactions [1,2], presents a compelling case for targeted regional exploration. The NECS's complex environmental conditions, influenced by both natural processes and anthropogenic factors, necessitate an in-depth investigation to decipher the intricacies of phytoplankton responses to these unique stressors.…”

“…The distinct hydrodynamic and ecological characteristics of the NECS necessitate a specialized regional algorithm tailored to its unique conditions. While regional algorithms have proven successful in various marine environments, the NECS's specific features, including its dynamic currents and the intricate interplay of environmental factors, warrant a dedicated approach [1,2]. This study seeks to contribute not only to the broader understanding of phytoplankton dynamics but also to fill a critical gap in the knowledge of the NECS, emphasizing the need for region-specific investigations to comprehensively grasp the implications of environmental changes on this pivotal marine ecosystem.…”